Bahrain Integrated Power Plant

The Al Dur Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP) is Bahrain's largest integrated power and desalination facility, generating 1,234 MW of electricity and 218,000 m³ of water per day.

Overview

The Al Dur IWPP is located in the Southern Governorate of Bahrain along the Arabian Gulf coast. It was developed to meet the growing demand for reliable electricity and high-quality water in the Kingdom. The plant combines a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination facility, making it a critical component of Bahrain's energy and water infrastructure . The project was commissioned in February 2012 and remains fully operational .

Capacity and Technology

• Power Generation: 1,234 MW, primarily fueled by natural gas, with diesel as a backup .
• Desalination: 218,000 m³/day of potable water using RO technology .
• Turbines: Four GE 9FA gas turbines and two steam turbines, forming a combined cycle configuration .
• Cooling: Seawater cooling towers support efficient thermal management .
• Operational Flexibility: The plant can operate in both single cycle and combined cycle modes, optimizing efficiency and energy output .

Ownership and Development

The plant is owned by Engie (45.1%) and Gulf Investment Corporation (25%), with the remaining shares held by other stakeholders . Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) served as the EPC contractor, while GPZ Group managed civil and building works for both the power and desalination facilities . Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering provided engineering, procurement, and construction services, and GE supplied the turbines .

Al Dur II IWPP

Adjacent to the original Al Dur IWPP, the Al Dur II IWPP is a newer 1,500 MW combined cycle plant developed by ACWA Power using SIEMENS gas and steam turbines. It features a 2-block, 2x2x1 multi-shaft configuration, seawater cooling towers, and an expander to maximize energy extraction from natural gas . This expansion further strengthens Bahrain's energy security and supports sustainable power generation.

Significance

The Al Dur IWPP and its expansion are landmark projects in Bahrain's energy sector, providing both electricity and desalinated water to support industrial, commercial, and residential needs. The integration of power and water production ensures efficient resource utilization, while modern combined cycle technology enhances fuel efficiency and environmental performance . These plants are central to Bahrain's strategy for sustainable economic growth and energy reliability.