Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Unveils the Details of its Major Investments and Projects for Hajj 1445

The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has revealed a series of significant projects and investments in Makkah, Medina, and the holy sites in preparation for the 1445 Hajj season. These initiatives are designed to enhance the infrastructure of the electricity network and ensure a stable and reliable power supply for pilgrims and residents, ultimately improving the quality of electrical service, which is essential for the comfort of pilgrims during Hajj.

Among the key projects is the automation of distribution networks in the holy sites, aimed at linking smart stations with the fiber-optic network. With a total cost investment of SAR 200 million, this project involves extensive groundwork and concrete closures, spanning 335 km and 312 km, respectively. More than 2400 stations have been connected to the fiber-optic network, significantly boosting the efficiency and sustainability of the electrical network in high-density areas and reducing emergency response times to fractions of a second. This ensures a seamless experience for pilgrims, stakeholders, and all beneficiaries.

Another critical project is the expansion of electrical networks, the enhancement of existing stations, and the integration of mobile stations with the current network. Additionally, on May 1, 2024, a gantry station was launched to connect the aerial transport network with the ground network, costing over SAR 2 million. This project aims to connect the 380 kV mobile station to the network, enhancing the stability of the electrical network and ensuring efficient energy delivery to critical locations within the holy sites.

SEC has also connected 110 kV mobile stations with an investment of SAR 60 million. Operational since May 31, 2024, this project covers a network exceeding 4 km with a total station capacity of 147 MVA, improving power distribution and meeting the increased demand during Hajj, thus preventing outages that could affect the comfort and safety of pilgrims.

Further investments include projects worth over SAR 166 million for subscriber connections in the central area of Makkah and the holy sites. Projects to enhance medium- and low-voltage networks cost more than SAR 36 million, while network replacement and the automation of distribution stations in these areas cost SAR 46 million. Additionally, a project to connect subscribers in pilgrim housing areas, costing over SAR 6 million, has been implemented, along with several specialized distribution projects to improve electricity distribution, ensuring a stable and reliable service for pilgrims.

Regarding facility development in the holy sites, SEC has established 22 response centers in Arafat at a total cost of over SAR 25 million and six launch centers in Mina and Muzdalifah, costing more than SAR 9 million. These centers ensure rapid response by technical teams to various issues, dealing with them with the highest efficiency and reliability. Additionally, a building adjacent to the operations and control center, costing over SAR 18 million, and eight buildings for stationed staff accommodation at transformer stations, costing more than SAR 8 million, have been constructed.

In Medina, projects include enhancing medium-voltage networks in the central area for SAR 14 million, extending over 22 km and including three stations. Low-voltage network improvements, costing SAR 21 million, have added 35 km of new networks with a total capacity of 56 MVA across 20 stations. These projects will strengthen the electrical infrastructure and provide reliable service for residents and visitors in Medina.

These initiatives are part of SEC’s ongoing national efforts to develop and improve electrical infrastructure in the holy sites, which experience high density during the Hajj season. The goal is to provide sustainable and efficient electrical services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims and visitors while enriching their overall experience.