Bahrain’s first independent electricity generating station began commercial operation on schedule last month following the completion of phase I of the project.

Phase I will make available 470 MW of generating capacity to the national grid, thus contributing to a reliable supply of electricity during the coming hot summer months. Phase II is scheduled for completion by May next year and will bring the total generating capacity of the Al Ezzel power plant company (AEPC) to 950 MW.
"The completion of Phase I in 21 months is a testimony to the close collaboration between the various ministries involved; the diligence of Siemens, our EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor; and the efforts of all in the company,” said AEPC chairman Shafic Ali. "This achievement vindicates the policy of the Kingdom of Bahrain of entrusting the future of power generation to independent producers," added Ali.
AEPC won the right to build, own and operate the station on June 27, 2004 in a bidding contest led by the Ministry of Finance that attracted a record number of bids. The company entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Ministry of Electricity and Water on July 31, 2004 and achieved financial close on November 22 of the same year. The speed and efficiency of the whole process won the Al Ezzel Power Project three international awards.
"The plant utilises the latest technology to ensure efficiency, reliability and low operation and maintenance costs which translates into benefits for Bahrain. The plant's gas turbine combined cycle technology minimises the environmental impact through lower emissions," said AEPC vice-chairman, Guy Richelle.