GDF SUEZ-led Consortium awarded 'Successful Bidder' for the first Independent Water and Power Project in the State of Kuwait

The GDF SUEZ-led consortium has now officially been awarded the construction and operation of a gas-fired combined cycle power plant of at least 1,500MW and an associated water desalination plant with a capacity of 102 to 107 MIGD (464 to 486 thousand m³/day). The project will be jointly owned by the consortium, by Kuwaiti public entities and by Kuwaiti nationals (via an Initial Public Offering).

Shankar Krishnamoorthy, CEO and President of GDF SUEZ Energy Middle East, Turkey & Africa,said:
"I would like to thank the Partnerships Technical Bureau for the constructive and cooperative negotiations that have led to the award of the Az Zour North project to our consortium. GDF SUEZ is proud to be the first international investor in private power and water development in Kuwait and to partner with the PTB to develop quality infrastructure for the people of Kuwait."

The capacity of the plant will account for approximately12% of Kuwait's installed generation capacity and about 23% of its installed desalination capacity. All of the plant's output will be purchased by the Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water under a 40-year long-term Energy Conversion and Water Purchase Agreement (ECWPA). The plant is expected to start commercial operation in 2015.