A request for proposal (RFP) to nine qualified bidders for the development of the Hassyan sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant has been issued by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The plant is to have a 120m gallons per day (MIGD) capacity, and is the first water desalination project that DEWA has undertaken that uses the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model.

According to a statement, DEWA has received a total of 34 requests for qualification (RFQs) to date. The firm says it has evaluated them and shortlisted nine pre-qualified bidders to submit proposals. The last date for submitting bids is January 31, 2020.

DEWA says it adopted IWP for the SWRO desalination plant following the success of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park project.

“The project is part of its strategy to increase the water desalination capacity in Dubai to 750 MIGD, from 470 MIGD,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the MD & CEO of DEWA.

Once complete, the plant will use the most efficient, proven and reliable state-of-the art technology and will provide a sustainable supply for DEWA’s water network, the utility provider said.

Al Tayer stated DEWA is currently desalinating water through the joint production of electricity and water, using efficient MSF distillation technology. The technology relies on waste heat created by the production of electricity for water desalination.

He added, “We also use RO to desalinate water, a proven technology that is also used around the world, which is ideal for the large production capacity from clean energy.”