Hitachi ABB Power Grids is leading a consortium that has been awarded a contract to deliver an interconnector between Saudi Arabia and Egypt capable of increasing renewables supplies.
The contract, from the Saudi Electricity Company and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, is for a high voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection for the countries to exchange up to 3GW of electricity.
Much of the electricity is expected to be generated from renewable energy sources in the future, Hitachi ABB Power Grids said.
The connection will support the flow of power in multiple directions between three terminals and will be the first interconnection allowing the exchange of electricity between both countries.
The contract includes the supply of three HVDC converter stations located at Medina and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and Badr in Egypt, encompassing system studies, design and engineering, transformers, valves, high-voltage equipment, technical advisory, commissioning and service.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will deliver the project in collaboration with two consortium partners, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works and Orascom Construction in Egypt.
The HVDC link will give Egypt access to the interconnected power grids of the Arabian Gulf, and Saudi Arabia access to those of North Africa, whilst strengthening grid resilience and power supply security.