Hitachi Energy Signs Agreements with ENOWA and SEC
Constructing the First Stage of the Innovative NEOM Area Transmission System
Dubai – Asdaf News:
Under the direction and control of the Ministry of Energy, Hitachi Energy has inked contracts with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and ENOWA. According to the agreements, the utility provider for NEOM in Northwest Saudi Arabia, ENOWA, would get three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. NEOM is one of Saudi Arabia’s Giga-Projects1, 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 agreements include a request for one of the first 3 GW, 525 kV HVDC Light® transmission systems in the world, connecting Oxagon, NEOM’s regional development, with the larger Yanbu area more than 650 kilometres away in Western Saudi Arabia, from the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), ENOWA’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner. Hitachi Energy and its consortium partner, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works (SSEM), are a part of the agreement
The range of services offered by Hitachi Energy comprises design, engineering, purchasing HVDC technology, and commissioning HVDC Light converter plants. While SSEM, a renowned Saudi EPC with expertise in power, water, and industrial projects, will handle the design, supply, building, and installation of the AC equipment section. For integration into the receiving grid, the converter stations convert electricity from AC to DC and back to AC. Saudi Electricity Company, which ENOWA hired in 2022 to serve as their EPCM to develop this first HVDC system for NEOM, would procure and give the converters to Saudi Electricity Company.
In addition, Hitachi Energy and ENOWA have agreed to early works and capacity reservations for two further HVDC projects, each with a 3 GW rating. 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 scale and complexity as a component of a new scalable and modular regional network architecture that aims to seamlessly integrate future renewables and energy storage technologies. The collaboration will also look into methods to strengthen regional capabilities in the Kingdom, such as how to locally sustainably build the essential HVDC Light components.
“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company in order to power one of the most visionary development projects of all time,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “As the world progresses towards a more sustainable future, our expertise and HVDC technologies are true enablers of the electrification of the global energy system and the transition to renewables.”
“By securing the first capacities for such an important part 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,” said Thorsten Schwarz, Executive Director of Grid Technology & Projects, Energy of ENOWA.
ENOWA, NEOM’s energy and water company, produces and delivers clean and sustainable energy for industrial and commercial applications. The company benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site and strategic location in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, with abundant solar and wind resources. ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally.
ENOWA seeks by its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world. Formed in 2022, ENOWA is the principal shareholder in the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant set to be commissioned in 2026 and will enable NEOM to be a global green hydrogen hub.
NEOM will be powered by 100 percent clean energy, through renewable solar, wind and green hydrogen-based energy. The region is designed to be a blueprint for sustainable urban living with minimal impact on the environment and enhanced livability.
