Oman has selected a consortium comprising Abu Dhabi’s investment arm Mubadala Development Co., local Suez Energy International and National Trading Co. to build a new power and desalination plant at Barka, as well as acquire Al Rusayl Power Co., an existing power plant. The project, which is part of a comprehensive privatisation programme of the country’s power sector, consists of the development, construction and operation of Barka Phase II, a 678MW and 26.4 million imperial gallons per day independent power and water project to be located in Oman, as well as for the acquisition of a 100% participation interest in Al Rusayl Power Co., a 665MW power plant currently owned by the Government of Oman. The seawater desalination plant of Barka Phase II is based on reverse osmosis technology, to be supplied by Degremont, specialised in water treatment plants within Suez environment. A special purpose company has been created to undertake these two projects, with Suez and Mubadala each holding a 47.5% interest and National Trading Co. holding 5% participation.