The GCC Interconnection
Projects Under Construction
GCCIA is dedicated to maintaining a reliable and resilient grid that aligns with its mission to ensure energy security and stability across the GCC region. As local electricity systems within member states continue to grow, expanding the network is essential to avoid outages and optimize the use of power resources. This commitment to a robust and adaptable grid also aligns with GCCIA's values of collaboration, efficiency, and sustainable development. By enhancing the interconnection within the GCC and extending beyond to neighboring countries, GCCIA is seizing opportunities for power exchange that can lead to significant economic and environmental benefits. These projects are not just about expanding the grid; they are about realizing GCCIA’s vision of fostering regional cooperation, enhancing energy resilience, and paving the way for future connections to other continents and regions, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected global energy landscape.
GCCIA-UAE Interconnection’s Expansion
This strategic project is designed to enhance the GCCIA grid and increase the electricity transmission capacity with the UAE from 2,400 MW to 3,500 MW, based on the results of comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies that proved the project’s alignment with GCCIA’s strategic plans to ensure a resilient and efficient electricity network providing long-term benefits to the region’s energy infrastructure. The project includes the construction of a 400 kV overhead transmission line extending 96 km from Salwa Substation to Al-Sila Substation, and the expansion of 400 kV switchgear and the installation of shunt reactors to enhance system stability and efficiency.
This strategic project is designed to enhance the GCCIA grid and increase the electricity transmission capacity with the UAE from 2,400 MW to 3,500 MW, based on the results of comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies that proved the project’s alignment with GCCIA’s strategic plans to ensure a resilient and efficient electricity network providing long-term benefits to the region’s energy infrastructure. The project includes the construction of a 400 kV overhead transmission line extending 96 km from Salwa Substation to Al-Sila Substation, and the expansion of 400 kV switchgear and the installation of shunt reactors to enhance system stability and efficiency.
Direct Interconnection with the Sultanate of Oman
Currently, Oman's electricity network is connected to the GCCIA grid via the UAE's network at 220 kV with a capacity of 400 megawatts. Following comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies, a decision was made to establish a direct interconnection between Oman and the GCC grid, aiming to unlock significant technical and economic benefits for both sides. The project involves constructing two 400 kV power transmission substations: the Ibri substation in Oman and the Baynonah substation in the UAE, along with expanding the existing Al-Sila substation. This interconnection will be supported by double overhead power lines operating at 400 kV, spanning a total length of approximately 530 kilometers.
Interconnecting with the Republic of Iraq
The GCCIA’s interconnection project with Iraq aims to supply approximately 500 megawatts of power to southern Iraq's electricity network, paving the way for future electricity trade between GCC countries and Iraq under the Regional and Arab Electricity Market Framework. The project entails the construction of 400 kV double-circuit overhead lines from the GCCIA’s Al-Wafrah Substation in Kuwait to the Al-Faw Substation in southern Iraq, spanning a total length of 295 kilometers. It also includes expanding the Al-Faw Substation with circuit breakers, electrical reactors, and protection and control systems.
Currently, Oman's electricity network is connected to the GCCIA grid via the UAE's network at 220 kV with a capacity of 400 megawatts. Following comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies, a decision was made to establish a direct interconnection between Oman and the GCC grid, aiming to unlock significant technical and economic benefits for both sides. The project involves constructing two 400 kV power transmission substations: the Ibri substation in Oman and the Baynonah substation in the UAE, along with expanding the existing Al-Sila substation. This interconnection will be supported by double overhead power lines operating at 400 kV, spanning a total length of approximately 530 kilometers.
Interconnecting with the Republic of Iraq
The GCCIA’s interconnection project with Iraq aims to supply approximately 500 megawatts of power to southern Iraq's electricity network, paving the way for future electricity trade between GCC countries and Iraq under the Regional and Arab Electricity Market Framework. The project entails the construction of 400 kV double-circuit overhead lines from the GCCIA’s Al-Wafrah Substation in Kuwait to the Al-Faw Substation in southern Iraq, spanning a total length of 295 kilometers. It also includes expanding the Al-Faw Substation with circuit breakers, electrical reactors, and protection and control systems.