China's first electric power automation system has been successfully commissioned at the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) facilities in Eastern Province, marking a significant development in the Saudi-China cooperation in the field of electric power sector. Ten units of automatic voltage regulators (AVR) have been installed by United International Trading Company Ltd. (UITC) and its Chinese partner State Grid Electric Power Research Nari Group Corporation at SEC's turbine power plants in Faras, Shedgum and Uthmaniyah in Eastern region. “The introduction of the Nari Group AVR is a noteworthy step on Saudi-China cooperation; it will lead to the transfer new power automation technology from China to Saudi Arabia and thus contribute further to the development and enhancement of the national electric power industry,” said Dr. Jaber Ayedh Al-Fahhad, president and CEO of UITC. He said the installed AVR units are now smoothly running. The successful commissioning of the AVR was jointly announced by Dr. Al-Fahhad, SEC Eastern Operation Area Executive Director Yousef Al-Ouhali, and Nari Honorary President Professor Xue Yusheng and Vice President Yan Huafeng during the formal launching ceremony of the installation of the AVRs held on April 12, 2010. Ouhali said that the installation of the AVR at the three turbine power plants of SEC will contribute further to the efficiency of the power stations. “With the high quality of the Nari AVR, SEC will be able to provide more quality service to its consumers, and at the same time support the company's current projects in distribution, generation and transmission,” Ouhali stressed. Nari is one of the global leaders providing electric power automation systems, such as power grid automation, relay protection, clean energy generation automation and monitoring. Yan revealed during the launching that Nari ranked 15th on the 2009 Global 500 Fortune Magazine's annual list of top companies. As the leading electric power automation company in China, it has supported key projects, such as 1000 MW steam power generation, 750 MW hydro-turbine generations, and 1000 KV ultra-high voltage transmission. Al-Fahhad said the signing of the joint venture agreement with Nari is a win-win situation for the Kingdom. “We have the advantage of having new technology, remarkable upgrade in the systems of SEC, provision of training program, and above all quality products.” UITC is one of the fastest growing companies in the kingdom, which is focused on developing the country's power generation sector. It has also established its niche in the fields of refinery, petrochemical, waste water management, oil and gas, and power distribution and transmission. UITC is approved and registered with the key industrial leaders and ministries in Saudi Arabia, including the Saudi Electricity Company, Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Ministry of Water, Ministry of Interior, SWCC, and the municipal entities.
