Qatar General Water & Electricity Corporation (KAHRAMAA) has contracted Siemens to carry out the largest-to-date expansion of the Emirate’s power transmission network. The deal, valued at €790 million, will see Siemens deliver 35 turnkey super and primary substations for Phase 13 of the Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion project. Completion is scheduled for 2019. “With this new order intake, our completed and under execution projects with KAHRAMAA total nearly €2.5 billion,” said Ralf Christian, CEO of Siemens Energy Management Division.
Demand for electricity in Qatar has been steadily rising over the past decade, driven by the Government’s strategy that seeks to develop various sectors of the economy and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. KAHRAMAA has closely aligned its strategy with the Qatar National Vision 2030; Phase 13 of the Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion project is due for completion by 2020, helping the country prepare for hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Siemens has been involved in the Qatar Power Transmission System Expansion since project phase 4. At present, the German OEM is carrying out an €470 million order to deliver 18 turnkey substations for Phase 12, part of its plans to expand its power transmission network. The partnership with KAHRAMAA dates back to 2005 when the utility was founded. Siemens has been operating as a local company in Qatar for over 40 years, now with early 500 employees.
As part of the latest contract, an existing 'super substation' – one that allows multiple voltage settings – in Doha will be upgraded with new 400kV/200kV gas-insulated switchgear and associated equipment, before connecting to the grid. Another substation will be used to meet rising demand for electricity in Al Jahhaniya and surrounding area, including temporary power feed to Rayyan Stadium, one of the venues for the upcoming world soccer championship. Substations will also feed power to steel, oil and gas and petrochemical facilities in Mesaieed industrial area, as well as Al Sadd area in Doha.
In addition to Phase 13, Siemens also received a second order from KAHRAMAA to supply and install more than 2,170 medium-voltage switchgear boards. The 8DJH switchgear will be used as ring main units (RMU) in the 11 kV distribution network. RMUs protect, for example, transformers connected to the grid against overloads and short-circuits, ensuring a reliable power supply.
The switchgear will be manufactured in Frankfurt, with the first units expected to go into operation by end-2017. The order is valued at roughly €27 million.