Last month, SEC approved its 2011 budget by adding 12,752 megawatts (MW) of power from 2012 to 2016 as it seeks to meet the Kingdom's rising demand. The firm, which currently has projects to add 1,826 MW in 2011, would have an additional capacity of 6,510 MW starting from 2012, SEC's Chairman Saleh Al-Awaji said.
The Kingdom's power demand is rising at 8 percent annually as the country pushes on with multi-billion-dollar development plans to cater for its fast-growing population of 18 million nationals. SEC plans to invest $80 billion to boost capacity to at least 70,000 MW by 2020 from an installed capacity of 50,000 MW now.
According to the contract, ABB will design, supply, install and commission the 110/13.8 kilovolt (kV) substations, which are scheduled for completion in 2012. It will also deliver other major equipment, including gas-insulated switchgear, medium-voltage products, transformers as well as network protection and low-voltage auxiliary systems.
Each of the substations will be equipped with the latest IEC 61850 compliant automation, control and protection solutions. IEC 61850 is an international communications standard that ensures interoperability and open communications between substation devices and other grid installations.
“These substations will enhance power capacity and help meet growing demand for electricity in the region,” said Mohamed Samkari, president of ABB Contracting Company. He added that the stations will also enhance the reliability and efficiency of the grid.
