The Saudi province of Mecca is currently in the process of executing a series of electricity-related projects valued at a total of USD 15.08 billion (SAR 52.8 billion); among which are several projects worth SAR 18 billion that are to be offered at a later stage, an official source told Zawya.
"The projects seek to support the generation and distribution of electric power in the city of Mecca and the surrounding areas, and involves the establishment of 14 additional central transfer plants at an output of 380 KV," said a source on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media. Adding that, "This is in addition to the construction of 24 primary transfer stations at a capacity 100 KV; and reinforcing transmission network lines at a capacity of 380 KV; as well as linking isolated networks located in the governorates of Turabah, Ranyah and Al Kharma with the main network."
According to the Saudi ministry of electricity, among the projects that are currently in progress is the construction of Al Sanabel transfer plant; Al Ta'if central transformer station; expanding Al Ta'if station; establishing North Mecca transformer plant; installing an overhead power line linking Mecca with Ta'if; expanding the high voltage station at Mecca; constructing seven transformer stations in Jeddah; constructing five transformer plants in Mecca; and establishing and expanding three transformer plants. This is in addition to projects for delivering power supply to subscribers; strengthening distribution networks; constructing the Rabegh independent generation plant; establishing six transformer plants as part of the Haramein project and linking them to the main network; constructing Jabal Omar transformer station; establishing University of Ta'if transformer plant; constructing King Abdul Aziz Airport transformer stations in Jeddah; and establishing a transformer station for the public services center at Al Shmeisi.
The source also stated that a number of other projects have been approved for bidding; which include revamping the Al Gharbiya generation plant which is in close proximity to the south Jeddah generation plant; connecting the central region's plants with Mecca by underground cabling; linking east Ta'if provinces with the main network; constructing four transformer stations in Mecca; constructing four transformer stations in Jeddah and linking them to the main network; establishing Al Hada plant; constructing Al Leith central station and linking it to the main network; constructing two primary transformer stations in Jeddah; establishing five transformer stations in Mecca; and constructing the south Jeddah generation plant and linking it to the public network. The total cost of these projects is anticipated to be around SAR 18 billion.
© Zawya 2013
