$1.5bn power link on way
01 June 2014
Saudi Arabia and Egypt are likely to tender the $1.5-billion power link project, which involves the construction of 1,250-km power cables linking Madinah with Cairo, early next year.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt had signed an agreement last June to set up a common power grid with a capacity of 3,000 MW. The grid is to be funded proportionately by the two countries, with Egypt’s share estimated at $610 million.
The project is aimed at power sharing between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, both of which have heavy demands on their power supply but have different peak periods. It would take nearly three years for completion, said an Arab News report, citing a government official.
Saleh Al Awaji, electricity and water ministry undersecretary, said the two countries have started preparation of the tender documents and revision of technical specifications of the project.
“The tendering process for this project has reached its final stages. We expect it to be tendered towards the end of this year or in early 2015,” stated Saleh Al Awaji, electricity and water ministry undersecretary.
Awaji pointed out that the power peak period in Saudi Arabia was 1 to 5 pm and in Egypt during 6 to 10 pm. “This means Saudi Arabia can import power supply from Egypt during the day and export it to that country at night,” he commented.
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