Diriyah Company has completed two new electricity substations in Diriyah and Wadi Safar. These include the Bulk Substation with a capacity of 1707 MVA and the Primary Substation with a capacity of 200 MVA. Both facilities are operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and are designed to meet the power needs of the area’s expanding infrastructure.
The Bulk Substation operates at 380/132/13.8 kV and was built at a cost of SAR 605 million ($161 million). It will support Diriyah’s first phase of development, which includes cultural, residential, retail, and hospitality projects such as Diriyah Square, the Qurain Cultural District, and the Northern District. To connect the substation to the grid, a cabling project valued at SAR 316 million ($84 million) is being implemented by the Saudi Electricity Company through Civil and Electrical Projects Contracting Company (CEPCO).
The Primary Substation, operating at 132/33 kV, cost SAR 77 million ($20 million). It will supply power to Wadi Safar, an area planned to feature hotels, recreational facilities, and venues like the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club and a golf course designed by Greg Norman. To energize this substation, a cabling project worth SAR 168 million ($45 million) is being carried out by Delta Contracting Company.
The substations incorporate traditional Najdi architectural designs to maintain the region’s cultural identity. Diriyah, known as “The City of Earth,” is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan and one of five Public Investment Fund (PIF) giga-projects. The project aims to create homes for 100,000 people, attract 50 million annual visitors by 2030, and contribute $18.6 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.
In addition to these substations, Saudi Arabia is also advancing its renewable energy goals. Projects like the 1,500 MW Sudair Solar Plant and the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm are part of the kingdom’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, reducing reliance on oil while meeting growing energy demands
