Oman Power and Water Procurement Co (OPWP) on Wednesday signed an agreement for the Sohar independent water project (IWP) with a consortium consisting of Oman Brunei Investment Co (OBIC), Sogex Oman Co and Valoriza Agua- Spain, under the flagship of Myah Gulf Oman Desalination Co, which will execute the project. The new Sohar IWP - based on reverse-osmosis technology - will be one of the biggest water desalination projects in the Batinah North governorate, with a production capacity of 250,000 m3 per day. The project, with an investment of OMR100 million, is expected to be operational in 2018. As per the agreement, OPWP would have the right to buy the desalinated water produced at the plant for a concession period of 20 years. The project is expected to meet about 80% of water demand in Batinah North, with its growing urbanisation, tourism and industrial activities. ( Muscat daily)