Investors in Egypt’s solar energy sector will float tenders in the next few days to invite bids to provide security, technical, and administrative services for the projects in Benban area, a report said.

Mohamed El-Sobky, chairman of the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), will sign the agreement with the contracted companies, Daily News Egypt reported, quoting a solar energy company official.

Investors will present the conditions and regulations for the tender to 18 international and local companies, the official said, adding that these companies are expected to present their offers by mid-February.

Services for the project sites include security, labour recruitment, accommodation, meals, sanitation, health, safety, and communications services and water management, the report said.

A total of 39 firms are planning to build solar power plants in the Benban area in Aswan with a capacity of 1,800 MW and investments estimated at $1.8 billion, according to the report.

Construction is estimated to take eight months, the report said.