Saudi Electricity Enhancements For Hajj 1445: Automation And Network Expansion

The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has announced significant projects and investments in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites for the 1445 AH Hajj season. These initiatives aim to enhance the electricity network, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for pilgrims and residents. The projects focus on improving service quality and ensuring the comfort of pilgrims during Hajj.

One of the primary projects involves automating distribution networks at the holy sites by linking smart stations to the fibre-optic network. This project, costing SAR200 million, includes extensive groundwork and concrete closures over distances of 335 km and 312 km, respectively. Over 2,400 stations have been connected to the fibre-optic network, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in densely populated areas.

Another crucial project involves expanding electrical networks, improving existing stations, and integrating mobile stations into the current network. A gantry station was launched at a cost of over SAR2 million to connect the aerial transport network with the ground network. This station aims to connect the 380 kV mobile station to the network, enhancing stability and efficient energy delivery.

Investment in Mobile Stations

SEC has also invested SAR60 million in connecting 110 kV mobile stations. Operational since , this project covers a network exceeding 4 km with a total station capacity of 147 MVA. This initiative improves power distribution and meets increased demand during Hajj, preventing outages that could affect pilgrims' comfort and safety.

Subscriber Connections and Network Enhancements

Further investments include projects worth over SAR166 million for subscriber connections in Makkah's central area and holy sites. Projects to enhance medium- and low-voltage networks cost more than SAR36 million, while network replacement and automation of distribution stations cost SAR46 million. Additionally, a project to connect subscribers in pilgrim housing areas, costing over SAR6 million, has been implemented.

Facility Development at Holy Sites

SEC has established 22 launch centres in Arafat at a total cost of over SAR25 million. Six launch centres in Mina and Muzdalifah have also been set up, costing more than SAR9 million. These centres ensure prompt response from technical teams to address any issues that may arise. Additionally, a building adjacent to the operations and control centre, costing over SAR18 million, and eight buildings for stationed staff accommodation at transformer stations, costing more than SAR8 million, have been constructed.

Projects in Madinah

In Madinah, projects include enhancing medium-voltage networks in the central area for SAR14 million. These extend over 22 km and include three stations. Low-voltage network improvements costing SAR21 million have added 35 km of new networks with a total capacity of 56 MVA across 20 stations. These projects will strengthen electrical infrastructure and provide reliable service for residents and visitors.

"These initiatives are part of SEC's ongoing national efforts to develop and improve electrical infrastructure at the holy sites," the release stated. "The goal is to provide sustainable and efficient electrical services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims while enriching their overall experience."

With inputs from SPA