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PowerChina in talks for Basra desalination plant

18 March 2024

The Iraqi cabinet has authorised the Basra governor to negotiate and sign the framework agreement with the coalition of companies executing the Basra seawater desalination project.

This development follows Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani's visit to Basra on 18 March, a local media report citing the prime minister's media office said.

The consortium executing the project comprises local company Al Rida Group and Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).

The planned desalination plant will have the capacity to treat 1,000,000 cubic metres of seawater a day (cm/d), Austria-headquartered ILF Consulting Engineers, which won the consultancy services contract for the project, said in 2021.

The project includes a 240-kilometre transmission system that will transport potable water to nine offtake stations that link to the municipalities.

The proposed desalination plant will be developed in the Al-Faw Grand Port development area. 

MEED understands that a 300MW captive power plant will produce the required energy for the plant.

The decision is expected to enable the project consortium to complete plans, designs and initial surveys for the project, without imposing financial obligations on the province, the report said.

According to the report, the prime minister directed the government and the project team to finalise their negotiations and submit the meeting minutes to the government for appropriate decision-making, "ensuring the removal of obstacles and accelerating project completion".

The Iraqi cabinet also agreed to transfer the contractual obligations for the consulting works from the Ministry of Construction & Housing to the Basra province, enabling the consulting company, ILF Consulting Engineers, "to complete its contractual duties regarding the project".

The contract with ILF has two phases. The first phase entails a feasibility study, environmental scoping, conceptual design, preparation of tender documents, and support for contract negotiations. The second phase involves site supervision and project management consultancy services from the start of the construction to the start of operation.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo

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