Key milestone completed in North-South Interconnector Project

MUSCAT, APRIL 23

Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), member of Nama Group, celebrated over the weekend the completion and commissioning of the first node of the landmark North-South Interconnection project (Rabt) which, upon completion, will link the grids of north and south Oman via Duqm. The internal grid of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) will be integrated into this unified grid as well.

A 400/132kV grid station at Nihada in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, representing the first node in the first phase of the Rabt project, was commissioned ahead of contractual schedule on April 20, 2022, OETC said in a post. This was accomplished “despite various challenges and delays faced by the project team during both waves of Covid–19”, it noted.

The node, construction at a cost of RO 17 million, covers 400 kV and 132 kV installations, 400 kV GIS, 400/132 kV 500MVA transformers, 400 kV overhead lines, 132kV GIS and all auxiliary equipment, the state-owned transmission company said.

“This project will strengthen the national network and will cater to power at 132 kV levels to (support) the PDO System as well. Big thanks to all who made this project a success,” the company added.

Upon completion, the ‘Rabt’ project will lead to the creation of a unified National Electricity Grid, which is due for completion by 2026 at a total cost of RO 372 million.

In October 2020, OETC signed agreements totalling RO 183 million for the implementation of Phase 1 of the interconnection project. It covers the construction of around 660km of 400kV overhead transmission lines that will eventually connect the Main Interconnected System (MIS) with the isolated networks of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the Rural Areas Electricity Company (Tanweer) in Duqm. This phase, slated for launch in 2023, also result in the inclusion of Haima and Mahout in Al Wusta Governorate into the future national grid. Additionally, it will help strengthen electricity supply to PDO areas, currently served by a 132kV network, as well as reduce the energy company’s dependence on gas-fired power generation for its electricity needs.

A further 502km of 400kV transmission lines will be constructed as part of Phase 2 of the North South Interconnected project. Running south from the Duqm grid all the way to Dhofar, this final section is on track for completion in 2026.