Nexans wins 90 million euros turnkey contract for Dubai’s first 400 kV underground cable system

Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010

Nexans, the worldwide leader in the cable industry, has been awarded a 90 million euros turnkey contract by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) to construct Dubai’s first Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable system operating at 400 kV. The project will play a key role in DEWA’s plans to upgrade its power transmission infrastructure to meet the constantly increasing demand for electrical power created by the rapid expansion of Dubai Emirate.

DEWA is currently constructing a new 400/132 kV substation at Mamzar Beach. The Nexans project will link this substation to two existing high voltage substations at Mushriff and Nahda via several kilometres of 400 kV XLPE cable circuits installed below the streets of Dubai in specially constructed concrete tunnels, complete with ventilation and fire protection systems. The turnkey contract includes the supply and installation of around 60 km of 400 kV XLPE cable and associated accessories, as well as the construction of the underground cable tunnels.

‘This major contract to upgrade Dubai’s power infrastructure is further recognition of Nexans’ proven capability to execute demanding and technically challenging EHV projects’ says Dirk Steinbrink, Managing Director of Nexans Land High Voltage Business Group. ‘It follows the successful completion of previous ground breaking projects in this region such as the first implementation of a 400 kV cable system in Abu Dhabi in 2003 and the first 400 kV project in Qatar in 2007.’

The 400 kV XLPE cable for the DEWA project will be manufactured by the Nexans facility in Charleroi (Belgium). It will feature a 2500 mm2 conductor with enamelled copper wires. The contract is scheduled for completion within 18 months.

Source: Nexans