Diriyah Company Launches Two Substations With Saudi Electricity Company To Support Future Growth

The Diriyah Company has unveiled a 1707 MVA-capacity Bulk Substation alongside a 200 MVA-capacity Primary Substation, marking a significant advancement in the infrastructure development within The City of Earth in Diriyah and Wadi Safar.

Managed by the Saudi Electricity Company, these facilities are pivotal in supporting the burgeoning growth of various assets across this region. Notably, these substations are the initial major urban infrastructure undertakings that incorporate the distinctive Najdi Architecture in their design, symbolizing a blend of traditional aesthetics with modern functionality.

The larger of the two, the Bulk Substation, comes with an investment of SAR 605 million ($161 million) and boasts a 1707 MVA 380/132/13.8 kV capacity. It is poised to facilitate the development of numerous cultural, educational, retail, residential, and hotel projects within Diriyah’s first development phase.

Areas such as Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District, and the Northern District areas will benefit from this substation. The construction and operation of this facility have been entrusted to the Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works (SSEM) under the oversight of the Saudi Electricity Company. To power up this substation, a significant cabling project valued at SAR 316 million ($84 million) will be executed by the Civil and Electrical Projects Contracting Company (CEPCO).

In contrast, the 200 MVA 132/33 kV Primary Substation, costing SAR 77 million ($20 million), is set to be a primary power source for Wadi Safar, a development known for its natural beauty and world-class amenities.

This substation will support prestigious venues such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club and the Greg Norman-designed Wadi Safar Golf Course. Its implementation falls to the (MAETEL) contracting company, again under the Saudi Electricity Company's aegis. To energize this facility, a separate cabling project worth SAR 168 million ($45 million) will be carried out by the (DELTA) contracting company.

These milestones underscore Diriyah's commitment to merging its rich cultural heritage with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The design of both substations honors the traditional Najdi architectural style, ensuring the new developments are in harmony with Diriyah's historical identity. This approach highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving its past while forging a sustainable future.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, stated, "The completion of the two substations represents a significant milestone in our journey toward delivering key assets in Diriyah, The City of Earth, including global hotel brands, branded residences, and cultural landmarks. Together with the two large scale cabling contracts to operate alongside the new substations, they represent further confirmation that we are progressing on time and within budget as we create one of the world's greatest gathering places."

Khalid bin Salim Al-Ghamdi, Acting CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, remarked, "The completion of the Bulk Substation and the Primary Substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city. We are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah's architectural heritage."

These substations come on the heels of several other important developments for Diriyah, including the groundbreaking of seven new hotels in November 2024 and the unveiling of two multi-billion-dollar districts – the Northern District and the Qurain Cultural District.

As one of Saudi Arabia's five giga-projects supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Diriyah is on a fast track to becoming a global destination. It aims to house 100,000 people, create 178,000 jobs, attract 50 million visits a year by 2030, and contribute $18.6 billion directly to the nation's GDP, marking a new chapter in the kingdom's ambitious vision for the future.