Ras Al-Khair’s desalination and power plant project is considered as the largest plant for desalination of saline water in the world. Its first power plant with the capacity of generating more than 400 MW has started operating.
The plant was connected to the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) in coordination with the National Grid Company as the first step of operating the complete system of power plant units.
Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) Gov. Abdul Rahman bin Muhammad Al-Ibrahim said the gas turbines would be running for the rest of the groups respectively according to the planned program.
The corporation intends to generate more than 800 MW during the second quarter of 2014, which will enhance the national grid to meet the demand for electric power in which the corporation is a key partner in providing it for industrial consumers and others.
Al-Ibrahim pointed out that the percentage of completing the project of Ras Al-Khair plant exceeds 80 percent, and it is expected to start producing water before the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Al-Ibrahim added that the cost of Ras Al-Khair desalination and power plant project and the transmission lines from the plant has reached SR23 billion.
The total length of the transmission lines from Ras Al-Khair plant to Riyadh and Hafr Al-Batin region is 1,290 km (double lines) with production capacity of 1,025 million cubic meters of desalinated water per day and electricity production capacity of 2,400 MW.
In addition, Al-Ibrahim stressed that Ras Al-Khair plant is the first plant established by the SWCC using compound production technology with efficient fuel consumption.
Al-Ibrahim said: "Ras Al-Khair plant project would provide 15,000 job opportunities while constructing the plant and its transmission lines to Riyadh and Hafr Al-Batin."
He said: "It will provide 3,500 job offers after establishing the plant, including 1,500 jobs in desalination department and 2,000 job offers with the contractors. These job offers represent the largest career opportunities in a project of this size."
He added: "The project will provide 14 great investment opportunities for national companies and it would contribute in supporting the national economy and provide more job opportunities for the youth in the Kingdom."
Ras Al-Khair’s power plant to generate more jobs
