RIYADH — As part of its efforts to enhance the reliability of the electricity service in the northern regions of the Kingdom, Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has announced the start of operation and linking of Abu Ajram transmission station (132 KV) in Al-Jouf region at a total cost exceeding SR178 million. This step would contribute to supporting the reliability of the electrical network for subscribers in the cities and villages of the region, and linking the governorate of Abu Ajram with the main electrical transmission network in the Kingdom.

Eng. Laith Al Bassam, CEO of the National Grid SA, a subsidiary of the Saudi Electricity Company, said operating the Abu Ajram station will put an end to any potential or emergency problems in voltage drop of the distribution network. In addition, The 250 MVA-station will reduce diesel consumption following the cancellation of any leased generation operations in Um Nakheelah village.

Al Bassam said that the project was implemented according to modern technologies within the efforts of SEC to reduce dependence on diesel fuel in line with the company approach and the Kingdom Vision 2030. The length of the network implemented in the project reached (78.2) kilometers, while the station itself consists of 4 transformers with advanced capabilities and techniques, he said.

"Abu Ajram transmission station is part of the strategic projects of electric transmission and connection, which is implemented in the northern regions of the Kingdom, at a total cost of SR5.5 billion. The projects included the establishment of six transmission stations, and five overhead lines for electrical connection between a number of cities and northern regions as part of other electric projects in different areas to connect them to the Kingdom's main network."

The National Grid SA has recently implemented and operated the longest overhead line in the Kingdom within the projects of electric transmission and connection in the northern regions, which extended to a distance of 790 km circular through rugged terrain and remote sites from the urban and residential areas. This effort required large construction works that were carried out by specialized technical cadres. — SG