The 400 kV substation expansion project, as the first phase of the recent development plans at Persian Gulf Fajr Energy Co, has reached 81% progress. This strategic initiative aims to significantly increase electricity transmission capacity to industrial consumers and the national grid.
According to the Public Relations Department of Persian Gulf Fajr Energy Co, as the driving force behind petrochemical complexes in the Special Petrochemical Economic Zone, Fajr Energy Co bears the responsibility for providing electricity, steam, instrument air, industrial water, and industrial wastewater treatment. Electricity is the company’s most critical product, playing a vital role in ensuring the stability of petrochemical production in the region. With its two power plants, Fajr Energy Co can generate a total of 1,147 megawatt-hours of electricity.
The generated electricity, after being boosted to 132 kV, is sent to two power distribution and transmission substations and ultimately supplied to regional companies or injected into the national power grid. In addition to securing stable electricity supplies for the Special Economic Zone’s petrochemical industries, Fajr Energy Co also supports the well-being of Khuzestan province residents by injecting 500 megawatts (instantaneous capacity) into the national grid during the hot summer months.
The Fajr Energy Co 400 kV substation consists of two main sections: Air-Insulated Substation (AIS) located outdoors and Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS). Overhead transmission lines are situated in the 400 kV section. This substation is equipped with two main transformers, each with a capacity of 315 MVA, responsible for increasing the voltage from 132 kV to 400 kV. The AIS section enables Fajr Energy Co grid to connect to the national network through overhead lines, providing both import and export capability. Due to the critical nature of this substation, expansion has been recognized as a strategic requirement for both increasing transmission capacity and preserving production stability.
The 400 kV substation expansion is the first part of Fajr Energy Co recent development projects and was defined based on engineering studies and new planned projects within the Special Petrochemical Economic Zone. The first phase centers on expanding the 400 kV substation itself. The later phase, to be implemented under a separate project, will focus on power plant development.
The expansion consists of six main sections. Since project initiation, all six sections have commenced in parallel as requirements dictated, with the first five already completed:
Land embankment,
Procurement of two 400/132/20 kV transformers, each rated at 315 MVA,
Acquisition and installation of 132 kV GIS gas-insulated switches,
Provision of 3,180 meters of 132 kV cable,
Supply of 132 kV cable terminations.
These project components have been realized with the assistance of domestic companies. Most equipment has undergone extensive testing to meet the unique operational requirements and has been delivered to Fajr Energy Co.
The final stage covers procurement of remaining equipment, civil works, installation, testing, and full commissioning of the substation. At present, substantial progress has been made on piling, foundation work, construction, and procurement of key items such as 400 kV circuit breakers, among others.
Given the fact that the existing 400 kV substation remains operational, the project has involved considerable technical complexity throughout both design and execution, with optimization applied in all developmental stages. Expert geotechnical and civil engineering consultants have been engaged, employing various advanced soil improvement techniques—such as driven piles and the new generation of micro-piles (Ashoubak)—with all necessary testing conducted according to relevant standards.
Overall, by the end of November 2024, the 400 kV substation development project had surpassed 81% completion. Upon completion, future phases of the Persian Gulf Fajr Energy Co expansion plan will be initiated. It is worth noting that the equipment and components used in this project are among the highest-quality domestic products, with the main transformers supplied by Iran Transfo, 132 kV cables by Simko, and 132 kV switchgear by Sarv Niroo Shiraz.