AREVA’s Transmission and Distribution division, one of the leading suppliers to the GCCIA Phase one interconnection project, congratulates the Gulf Cooperation Council International Authority (GCCIA) on the successful inauguration of their North Grid system. This project brings state-of-the-art High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and Energy Management Systems (EMS) to the Gulf Region, in order to interconnect the power grids of the Gulf Cooperative Council member countries, marking a major milestone in the development of the Region.

The Phase one project has interconnected the northern countries of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar, with the interconnection of United Arab Emirates and Oman to follow later during Phase two and Phase three projects.

AREVA T&D designed and built the 3-pole 1800 MW 400 kV HVDC Al Fadhili converter station in Saudi Arabia, and an integrated automation solution including e-terra Energy Management Systems (EMS) and substation MiCOM protection relays and PACiS control system for the entire six-country GCCIA network.

Essential to this system is the Control Center, located in Ghunan, Saudi Arabia, which manages the flow of energy not only to the new substations built for Phase one, but also manages the energy interconnection and exchange throughout each GCC member country.

The Al Fadhili HVDC converter station is the transmission connection that makes it possible for Saudi Arabia to share energy with the other member countries, despite asynchronous voltage levels (Saudi Arabia’s transmission system uses 380 kV 60 Hz, while the other countries use 400 kV and 50 Hz).

This mega-project involved 3,800,000 hours of erection, testing and commissioning on-site with no injuries. The teams included 900 construction and installation crew members and 60 testing and commissioning engineers and experts. Over 9,500 Tons (26,000 m3) of equipment was supplied from 12 AREVA T&D production sites around the world.

“Congratulations to the GCCIA,” stated Philippe Guillemot, President and CEO of AREVA T&D. “This is an historic day for the Gulf Region’s energy network. AREVA T&D is delighted to have contributed to a project of this magnitude and importance. We look forward to continuing our support of the Region’s ongoing development and the efficiency of their shared energy network. And thank you to all the AREVA T&D team members around the world who have participated in this prestigious project." 
 
More about
All over the world, AREVA provides its customers with solutions for carbon-free power generation and electricity transmission.
With its knowledge and expertise in these fields, the group has a leading role to play in meeting the world’s energy needs.
Ranked first in the global nuclear power industry, AREVA's unique integrated offering covers every stage of the fuel cycle, reactor design and construction, and related services.
In addition, the group is developing a portfolio of operations in renewable energies. AREVA is also a world leader in electricity transmission and distribution and offers its customers a complete range of solutions for greater grid stability and energy efficiency.
Sustainable development is a core component of the group’s industrial strategy. Its 75,000 employees work every day to make AREVA a responsible industrial player that is helping to supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical energy to the greatest number of people.
 
AREVA's T&D division is an active player around the globe. It designs, manufactures and supplies a complete range of equipment, systems and services for all stages in the transfer of electricity, from the generator to the large end-user.

AREVA T&D Press Office
Kirsty Bouysset
+33 1 34 96 31 91
kirsty.bouysset@areva-td.com
 
James Mulholland
+33 1 34 96 31 82
james.mulholland@areva-td.com
 
Beatrice Garcia
+33 1 34 96 62 90
beatrice.garcia@areva-td.com