34.5 kV Gas-insulated Switchgear (GIS) Energized at Maaden’s Sulfuric Acid Plant in Wa’ad Al Shamal

On July 21, the 34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) was successfully energized at Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden)’s Sulfuric Acid Plant (SAP) in Wa’ad Al Shamal (WAS), Saudi Arabia. All protection and metering systems are functioning properly, and critical parameters such as voltage, frequency, and phase angle comply with design specifications and industry standards. This milestone brings the electrical installation activities to the energized testing stage.

The energization of the 34.5kV GIS at the SAP substation serves as critical power supply for the downstream Phosphoric Acid Plant (PAP) substation, the Outside Battery Limits (OSBL) substation, and the auxiliary substations of various contractors for Phase III, while also laying the groundwork for system testing, commissioning, and overall project progress.

To ensure successful energization on the first attempt, the project team made meticulous planning and well-organized preparations, developed a specific implementation plan covering key activities, prepared the energization schedule and the punch-list items clearance checklist, and coordinated the installation of equipment, electrical testing, system inspections, and cooperation with the upstream substation, ensuring efficient interfacing among all activities. Prior to energization, the project team organized multiple rounds of joint inspections and emergency drills, and conducted comprehensive verification of equipment status, protection settings, safety measures, and energization conditions, ensuring that all preparatory work was fully in place.