The ceremony marked the successful completion of a project started in 2008 and led by the consortium Alstom Grid & Al-Rashed Holdings to install and commission its fourth 300 kV turnkey substation in Kuwait.

The scope of the project, which is located at the Saad Al-Abdullah/"W" substation, included design and manufacturing of gas-insulated switchgear for 300/132/33/11 kV, power transformers and shunt reactors.

Alstom provided a range of equipment following standards specifically adapted to the climate conditions, where temperature typically rises up to 52 degrees and there is significant variance in humidity levels.

The original order, worth around KD23 million (around 60 million euro), was awarded by the Ministry of Electricity & Water (MEW) in 2008.

The substation is seen as one of the most critical in the country as it is an elementary link between Subiya Power Station and Sulaibiya "W" and, furthermore, expands Kuwait's electricity network by providing electricity to one of the largest new residential areas.

"On behalf of the Alstom Grid and Al-Rashed Holdings consortium, I congratulate MEW for this important milestone," stated Michel Augonnet, commercial solutions senior vice president of Alstom Grid.

"Alstom is delighted to have contributed to such a major project. We thank MEW for their strong and continuous support during the whole duration of this project and look forward to continuing to work together for the country's ongoing development. Thank you to all MEW and Alstom Grid experts around the world who have participated in this project."

Around 150 guests attended the event, including 60 from MEW and 10 French and German officials.