Kingdom of Bahrain

Upgrading the 220 kV and 66 kV Electrical Transmission Network
Loan No: 544 Interest Rate: 3.0 %
Beneficiary: Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Grace Period: 4 years
Project Cost: KD 248.3 million Maturity: 22 years
Amount of Loan: KD 30.0 million Repayment: 37 semi-annual installments
Date of Board Approval: - First Installment: 4 years following the first disbursement
Date of Loan Agreement: 2009-12-15 Date of Loan Effectiveness: -

Objectives:

The project aims at increasing the confirmed capacity of the 220 kV and 66 kV electrical transmission network in Bahrain, by upgrading it and raising its efficiency to enable it to carry the increasing demand for electricity, and evacuate the power that will be produced by Al Dur generating station, currently being constructed by the private sector.

Description:

The project consists of constructing thirty nine new and expanding eleven existing 220 kV and 66 kV substations, laying underground cables to connect the new substations, and the equipment that will be added to the existing substations, to the national grid, along with providing consultancy services and institutional support to EWA. The project, which is expected to be completed before mid 2012, consists of the following components:

  1. 220 kV Works: This includes the following:
    1. Substations: This includes constructing ten new and expanding six existing 220 kV substations.
    2. Cables: This includes the supply and installation of electrical cables to connect the new substations, and the equipment to be added to the existing substations, to the 220 kV national grid.
    3. Civil Works: This includes constructing the necessary buildings for the new substations, in addition to the necessary excavation and fill works for the 220 kV cables.
  2. 66 kV Works: This includes the following:
    1. Substations: This includes constructing twenty nine new and expanding five existing 66 kV substations
    1. Cables: This includes the supply and installation of electrical cables to connect the new substations, and the equipment to be added to the existing substations, to the 66 kV national grid.
    2. Civil Works: This includes constructing the necessary buildings for the new substations, expanding the existing substations, conducting the necessary excavation and fill works, and laying the new 66 kV cables.
  3. Consultancy Services: This includes the provision of the necessary consultancy services required for preparing tender documents, conducting design reviews, providing project supervision and participating in witness testing.
  4. Institutional Support: This includes the supply of equipment, and the design and supply of the necessary programs to enhance the administrative, financial and information systems in EWA and training its employees.

Financing:

The Arab Fund’s loan covers about 12.0% of the total project cost, excluding customs duties. The Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Saudi Development Fund and the Abu Dhabi Development Fund are also expected to contribute to the financing of this project. EWA will cover the remaining cost of the project and any additional cost that may arise.