The landmark high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection project linking Egypt and Saudi Arabia has achieved nearly 95 percent completion, marking a major step toward establishing the first power exchange link between the two nations. The USD 1.8 billion project is expected to commence its first phase by late 2025 or early 2026, with final testing currently underway at the 500 kV Badr converter station in Egypt.
Designed to transmit up to 3,000 MW of power, the ±500 kV HVDC system stretches across the Gulf of Aqaba, connecting Egypt’s Badr substation with Saudi Arabia’s Madinah East substation through the newly built Tabuk converter station. The network includes around 23 km of submarine cables and 1,300 km of overhead transmission lines 965 km within Saudi Arabia and 335 km across Egypt supported by 862 transmission towers.
The interconnection will significantly enhance cross-border electricity trade, strengthen grid reliability, and support optimal utilisation of generation capacity between the two countries. Hitachi Energy is leading the implementation of the HVDC converter stations in collaboration with regional partners, while AtkinsRéalis is overseeing project management and engineering activities.
Once operational, the Egypt–Saudi Arabia power link will serve as a vital component in regional energy cooperation, paving the way for greater power system integration across the Middle East and North Africa.
