A new 400/132 kV substation named ‘Shams’ at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) Solar Park has been commissioned by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
It has a conversion capacity of 2020 megavolt-amperes (MVA) with 223km of 400kV overhead lines to connect with DEWA’s network.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA, said: “We aim to provide an advanced and integrated infrastructure for electricity and water according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and safety.
“This meets the growing demand and keeps pace with the sustainable development needs of Dubai. Inaugurating the 400/132 kV Shams substation at the MBR Solar Park is part of DEWA’s efforts to raise the capacity of the power transmission network and increase the share of clean energy in Dubai’s energy mix. This achieves the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.”
Al Tayer also revealed that the total value of DEWA’s power transmission network under construction exceeds Dhs8.5 billion.
Shams substation, with a total cost of Dhs562 million, included over two million safe working hours without injuries.
It was implemented according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety despite the obstacles associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drones were used to follow work progress remotely round the clock as well as arrange for virtual site visits. This ensured implementing the project according to the highest standards of safety and security to protect the health of all workers.
Hussein Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission (Power) at DEWA, said that Shams substation uses the latest digital technologies in line with DEWA’s efforts to enhance digital transformation in all its services and operations.
He noted that the new substation at the MBR Solar Park increases the total number of 400/132 kV substations in Dubai to 24, in addition to three new substations that DEWA is currently building.
ABB Linxon implemented the project. Shams substation uses the latest control and protection systems. It includes 14 (400 kV) Gas Insulated Switchgears (GIS), 28 (132 kV) GIS, and four 400/132 kV transformers with 2020 MVA capacity.