A major project for the kingdom, Juranah facility will be implemented on a BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) model and the development work will include the water reservoir and all associated infrastructure and facilities. It is set for commercial operations in the first quarter of 2027.

 

SWPC said the list of the pre-qualified bidders (lead and/or technical) include Asian industrial majors Japan's Marubeni Corporation and Chinese companies - Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) in addition to regional firms, the UAE-based Metito and Kuwait's Gulf Investment Corporation.

 

TradeArabia had in November last year reported that a total of 34 companies had expressed their interests in the Juranah project. Of these, 21 were Saudi firms. 

 

The top local firms which have now been prequalified are Abdul Aziz Al Ajlan Sons; Metscco Heavy Steel Industries; Al Yamama Company; Alfanar; Al Rajhi Holding Group; Almutlaq Industrial Investment; Alkhorayef Water & Power Technologies; Marafiq; Mowah; Mutlaq Al Ghowairi; Nesma and Vision International Invest Company.

 

The Saudi utility developer had in an earlier notification said it will be conducting a competitive process to select a developer/developer consortium for the project which will be responsible for the development, financing, procurement, implementation and operation and maintenance of the reservoir. 

 

The successful bidder, through a special purpose vehicle, will then provide the required storage capacity to SWPC under a 30-year water storage agreement, it added. 

 

Top professional advisors have been signed up for the project. Synergy Consulting IFA is the lead and financial advisor; Amer Al Amr Law Firm the legal advisor and WSP Middle East the technical advisor.-TradeArabia News Service