Sembcorp says it has started construction of its US$1 billion ($1.4 billion) Salalah Independent Water and Power Plant (Salalah IWPP) in Oman.

Targeted to begin full commercial operations in the first half of 2012, the Salalah IWPP will consist of a gas-fired power plant which will have a net capacity of 445 megawatts and a seawater desalination plant which will employ reverse osmosis technology to produce 15 million imperial gallons per day of water.

Tang Kin Fei, Sembcorp’s Group President & CEO said, “We at Sembcorp are very happy to celebrate this important milestone for our first project in Oman. This facility will be the largest and most efficient power and water plant in Dhofar, and will play a major role in meeting the region’s growing power and water needs. Together with our partner, we are confident that that we can deliver the project successfully and contribute towards supporting the continued growth and development of the region.”