Prysmian to Provide a Strategic Power Grid Connection in Bahrain

Project to develop new 400 kV cable loop circuit

Important contract confirms Group’s commitment to developing energy infrastructures in the Gulf area

Milan, 13 December 2017 – Prysmian Group, world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, has been awarded a new contract worth in the region of €80 million by EWA (Electricity and Water Authority of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain) to develop a new 400 kV cable loop circuit. As part of EWA’s strategic 400 kV Transmission Development programme (2009 – 2013), this project adds a crucial link to the infrastructure of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is the first 400 kV XLPE submarine cable to be installed in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Region. This project follows a previous contract awarded to Prysmian by the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) for a 400 kV HVAC oil-filled cable submarine interconnection between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

“This important contract confirms Prysmian’s commitment to developing energy infrastructures in the Gulf area. For us, it is a recognition of our strong and long–standing presence in Bahrain. We wish to thank EWA, in the person of its CEO, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, for the confidence shown in Prysmian’s capability to manufacture the most technologically advanced and reliable solutions for the development of the Kingdom’s new strategic power grid,” stated Antonio Chiantore, General Manager for Prysmian Group in the Middle East.

The project involves the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a 400 kV AC power link, including a section of 400 kV XLPE submarine cable. The Group will supply three submarine HVAC (High Voltage Alternating Current) 400 kV cables with XLPE insulation for a total length of nearly 13 km. In addition, the Group will supply three HVAC 400 kV land cables with XLPE insulation for a total of around 46 km.

Leveraging on a wide range of in-house engineering, manufacturing and installation capabilities, Prysmian will provide a comprehensive turnkey solution with the delivery and commissioning of the loop circuit scheduled for completion in 2019. The submarine cables will be produced in Prysmian’s state-of–the-art plant in Pikkala, Finland, whereas the land cables will be produced in Prysmian’s centre of excellence for Extra High Voltage land cables in Gron, France.

The land installation works continue the Group’s involvement in the development of the electricity grid in Bahrain following the 400 kV Transmission Development (Package B) contract, currently ongoing, which was awarded to Prysmian in 2015 and, as well as the recent contract for the Hidd – Shamal Al Fateh 220 kV cable connection where Prysmian is combining a wide range of technologies to complete the strategic project.