Energy management specialist Schneider Electric has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Grid Saudi Arabia (SA), which is responsible for the transmission of electricity in Saudi Arabia.
Under the three-year agreement, the partners will develop infrastructure in the country, and the MoU will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, best practices and technology.
The companies will also collaborate for decision making on standards and specifications, engineering and design, and maintenance and operation. Additionally, Schneider Electric will provide Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and National Grid SA with training on focus areas, particularly environmental issues and regulations impacting the industry.
According to Business Monitor International (BMI), the $80 billion 10-year investment plan for electricity infrastructure (excluding nuclear power) from 2008-2018 is driving significant activity in the energy sector. BMI also predicts an additional 30 GW to be added to the current estimated capacity of 51.6 GW by 2020.
Standards and specifications that are specially tailored for the Saudi Arabia market will be developed in the fields of protection, substation design and automation, smart grid, maintenance and asset management. An evolving standardization in engineering and design of equipment will be developed according to the specifications and requirements of SEC/National Grid SA.
During the three-year duration of the MoU, Schneider Electric will increase efforts to further recruit Saudi engineers.