The NEOM-Yanbu high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system is being developed by NEOM’s utility company ENOWA in Saudi Arabia. The project involves the development of three HVDC transmission lines of 3GW each.
The project will be implemented in phases, with the first phase expected for completion in July 2027. The first phase will be developed with an estimated investment of $145m.
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The Yanbu-NEOM industrial city (NIC) transmission link in particular is set to become one of the world’s first 525kV systems, based on Hitachi’s HVDC Light transmission system.
Location
The NEOM-Yanbu HVDC transmission system will provide power connections from the Yanbu region, the country’s power generation hub, to the NIC.
Project details
The 9GW NEOM-Yanbu HVDC transmission project will enable the expansion of Saudi’s power grid from the Yanbu region to the NIC.
The project involves the construction of a 605km-long HVDC transmission line to connect NEOM’s logistics hub Oxagon, an advanced and clean industrial city, to the larger Yanbu area in western Saudi Arabia.
The first transmission link involves the Yanbu-NIC HVDC transmission link with a 3GW power transmission capacity. It will feature 207km of transmission lines, 450 transmission towers, and two converter stations, which will be connected via overhead lines.
Each of the two converter stations will consist of two asymmetrical monopoles in a bipole configuration that are connected to 380kV alternating current (AC) grids. The converter stations are designed to handle a total load of 3GW, with each station rated at 1.5GW with a nominal DC voltage of 525kV.
The second phase of the project will involve the installation of two 525kV HVDC converter stations, one at Yanbu and the other at NEOM south. It will also involve any associated expansions, including DC overhead transmission lines.
Benefits of the NEOM-Yanbu HVDC transmission line
The NEOM-Yanbu HVDC transmission project will help NEOM’s transition to clean energy by providing up to 9GW of clean energy to the region.
The NIC will be powered by 100% clean energy through various power sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. The NEOM region is designed to be a blueprint for sustainable urban living by implementing designs with minimal environmental impact without impacting normal city life.
Contractors involved
A consortium consisting of Hitachi Energy and Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM) was contracted to deliver three HVDC transmission systems to NEOM’s utility company ENOWA. The contract was awarded by ENOWA’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner, Saudi Electricity Company.
Hitachi is providing design, engineering, and procurement of the HVDC technology and commissioning of the HVDC Light converter stations. SSEM’s scope of work includes the design and supply of the AC equipment including construction and installation.
SEC will source and supply the converters under the EPCM partnership with ENOWA.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is providing construction works for the 525kV HVDC transmission link from the NIC to Yanbu.
Hyundai E&C won an EPC contract for the design, procurement, and construction of the project.
CESI provided the draft and final scope of work for the second phase, including technical support during contract procurement.
