Indian majors get contracts for high voltage power lines in GCC

Two Indian EPCs announce contracts to build high voltage transmission lines in Saudi Arabia, UAE; 400 kV transmission line is part of the Kuwait–Saudi Arabia interconnection project

KEC International Ltd., part of Indian business conglomerate RPG Group, has secured new transmission and distribution orders worth $172.3 million, including a 380 kV transmission line in Saudi Arabia, and a 400 kV transmission line as part of the Kuwait–Saudi Arabia interconnection project.   

Mumbai-based Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution Business has won repeat orders to build new 132kV substations in Dubai. It has also secured an order to establish a 380kV overhead line in Saudi Arabia that will help strengthen the evacuation infrastructure and improve the reliability of the grid in the Western region of the Kingdom

The two companies made the announcements in press statements this week. Contract values were not disclosed for the L&T orders.

"The orders in Middle East consolidate our presence in the region and significantly expand our T&D order book, particularly in the international market,” said Vimal Kejriwal, MD & CEO, KEC International Ltd.

The Kuwait–Saudi Arabia interconnection project, led by the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), involves the construction of a 250-kilometre interconnection linking Al Zour in Kuwait to the Fadhili in Saudi Arabia. It is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025 at an estimated cost is $120 million.

Energy & Utilities reported in June on the planned electricity interconnection project between Saudi Arabia and Jordan. E&U reported last fall that Saudi Arabia and Egypt awarded major contracts for the planned 3,000 MW electrical interconnection project between the two countries, which will be the first large-scale HVDC interconnection in MENA.