The Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines of Oman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority, His Excellency Mukhsin bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, personally presided over the ceremony and signed two major power grid interconnection project contracts with the United Arab Emirates.

This marks a crucial step towards energy connectivity in the Gulf region, injecting strong momentum into regional energy security and economic integration.  

Project 1: UAE Saudi Arabia Power Grid Expansion Project

The first project is the expansion of the grid interconnection network between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The project will build a 96 kilometer long double circuit 400 kV overhead transmission line, connecting the Syrah substation in the United Arab Emirates and the Salwa substation in Saudi Arabia, and connecting the "main artery" of power transmission between the two countries.  

In addition to building new transmission lines, the project also includes the expansion and upgrading of three major substations under the UAE Electricity Authority. These substations will add 400 kV transformer equipment, including circuit breakers, reactors, and advanced protection and control systems. Through these technological upgrades, the reliability and operational efficiency of the Gulf Cooperation Council power grid will be significantly improved.  

The project is scheduled to officially start construction in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is expected to be fully completed in the fourth quarter of 2027. After completion, it will significantly enhance the power transmission capacity between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, providing strong support for energy trade and power mutual assistance between the two countries.  

Project 2: Direct Interconnection of UAE and Oman Power Grids

The second project is even more eye-catching - the direct interconnection project between the UAE power grid and the Oman power grid. This is the first time that the two countries have achieved direct power grid connection, which is of milestone significance. The project will construct a 400 kV dual circuit transmission line connecting the Syrah substation in the United Arab Emirates and the Ibri substation in Oman, with a total length of 530 kilometers, spanning the border between the two countries. At the same time, the project will also build two 400 kV transmission substations, located in Ibri, Oman and Bainuna, United Arab Emirates. Both substations are equipped with advanced control, protection, and communication systems to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe power transmission.  

Of particular note is that the project will be equipped with a static static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), which is currently the most advanced technology for power grid stability. This device will significantly enhance the stability of the power grid, increase transmission capacity, and bring the total project capacity to 1600 megawatts, equivalent to the installed capacity of a large power plant. The project is also scheduled to commence construction in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is expected to be put into commercial operation by the end of 2027. At that time, the United Arab Emirates and Oman will achieve complementary and mutually beneficial power resources, providing more reliable energy security for the economic development of the two countries.

Project significance: Promoting regional energy integration

The implementation of these two projects marks a new stage in the interconnection and intercommunication construction of the Gulf Cooperation Council power grid. By connecting the power grids of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, a more stable and efficient regional electricity market will be formed.  

After the completion of the project, it will achieve optimized allocation and complementary mutual assistance of power resources among the three countries. During peak electricity consumption periods, countries with surplus electricity can transmit electricity to countries with electricity shortages; During the peak period of renewable energy generation, clean electricity can be delivered to demand areas to enhance the capacity for clean energy consumption. Keywords: International News Network, International News and Information

In addition, the implementation of the project will also drive the development of related industries, create a large number of employment opportunities, and promote regional economic integration. At the same time, this is also an important measure for Gulf countries to implement energy transformation strategies and promote green and low-carbon development, making positive contributions to addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.  

With the completion and operation of the project in 2027, the Gulf region will form a closer energy community, providing stronger and more reliable energy support for regional economic and social development.Editor/Yang Meiling