Collaboration to hasten the construction of Saudi Arabia's NEOM, which will have a maximum power transmission capacity of 9 gigawatts
Zurich, Switzerland, Under the direction and control of the Ministry of Energy, Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader pursuing a sustainable energy future for all, has signed agreements with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and ENOWA. The agreements will provide three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems to end user ENOWA, the utility provider for NEOM in northwest Saudi Arabia. NEOM is one of Saudi Arabia's Giga-Projects, altering the course of development by being built with sustainability in mind. The combined power capacity of the three HVDC lines will be up to 9 GW.
The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), which is ENOWA's engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) partner, gave Hitachi Energy and its consortium partner Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works (SSEM) one of the contracts to build the world's first 3 GW, 525 kV HVDC Light® transmission system connecting Oxagon, NEOM's regional development, with the larger Yanbu area, which is more than 650 kilometers away in Western Saudi Arabia. Design, engineering, the purchase of HVDC technology, and the completion of the HVDC light converter stations are all included in Hitachi Energy's scope of delivery. While the AC equipment element will be designed, supplied, and installed by SSEM, a top Saudi EPC with expertise in power, water, and industrial projects, For integration into the receiving grid, the converter stations convert power from AC to DC and back to AC. Saudi Electricity Company, which was hired in 2022 by ENOWA to serve as their EPCM to develop this first HVDC system for NEOM, would source and provide the converters. Additionally, Hitachi Energy and ENOWA have signed an early works and capacity reserve agreement for two additional HVDC projects, each rated up to 3 GW. Both firms believe that they will have the ability and resources required to put these two HVDC networks into operation. The NEOM Energy System is distinctive in terms of size and complexity as a component of a new scalable and modular regional network design that aims to seamlessly integrate future renewables and energy storage technologies. The collaboration will also look into ways to strengthen regional capabilities in the Kingdom, such as how to sustainably assemble the essential HVDC light components locally. Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business, said: "We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company in order to power one of the most forward-thinking development projects of all time. "Our expertise and HVDC technologies are true enablers of the electrification of the global energy system and the transition to renewables as the world moves toward a more sustainable future," the statement reads. Thorsten Schwarz, Executive Director of Grid Technology & Projects, Energy of ENOWA, said: "By securing the first capacities for such a crucial portion of our future grid in only one year since the decision to use this technology, we show ENOWA's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in collaboration with Saudi Electricity Company and Hitachi Energy. Clean and sustainable energy is produced and delivered for industrial and commercial uses by ENOWA, NEOM's energy and water firm. The company benefits from NEOM's greenfield position and strategic setting in Saudi Arabia's northwest, which has a wealth of solar and wind resources. ENOWA will serve as a catalyst and incubator for new, sustainable energy and water business development while building a strong regional economic sector. ENOWA aims to become a global benchmark for industry leaders and set a standard for sustainable economic circular systems globally through its commitment to renewable energy and effective water management. Incorporated in 2022, ENOWA is the main shareholder in the largest green hydrogen production facility that will be operational in 2026 and allow NEOM to serve as a hub for green hydrogen production around the world. NEOM will be entirely powered by renewable solar, wind, and hydrogen-based energy sources. The area is intended to serve as a model for environmentally friendly urban living with improved livability.
