Toshiba inaugurates gas-insulated transformers in Makkah

Toshiba installs seven gas-insulated transformers in the Haram 2 and Haram 3 substations in Makkah, enhancing the safety and reliability of the power supply.

Share:

Toshiba inaugure des transformateurs isolés au gaz à Makkah.

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The recent installation of seven gas-insulated transformers (GIT) by Toshiba Energy Systems and Solutions Corporation marks an important milestone for the Haram 2 and Haram 3 substations in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This project, commissioned by Saudi Electricity Company, aims to modernize the essential urban infrastructure serving millions of people and is in line with the country’s Vision 2030. By replacing oil-insulated transformers with GITs for 110 kV class substations, the aim is to provide a safer, more reliable power supply.

A Crucial Project for Makkah

Makkah welcomes millions of pilgrims every year, requiring a secure and reliable infrastructure to ensure an uninterrupted power supply all year round. The gas-insulated transformers, chosen for their high safety standards, are non-flammable and explosion-proof, two major concerns for substations in a large city. In 2020, Toshiba was selected for this project because of its proven technical expertise and the reliability of its products.

First order for the Gulf States

Toshiba, which has a solid track record of GIT sales in Japan, East Asia, North America and Europe, has now recorded its first order for the Gulf States. The company’s focus on product safety and reliability significantly improves substation safety and performance, bringing lasting benefits to Makkah and its people, as well as to its many pilgrims. The importance of this installation cannot be underestimated. Toshiba’s gas-insulated transformers are designed to provide a robust solution to the challenges of urban energy supply. As well as reducing the risk of fire and explosion, these transformers minimize maintenance requirements, which is crucial in a city as dynamic as Makkah. What’s more, their compactness and ability to operate in harsh environments make them an ideal option for critical infrastructures.

Implications for the Energy Sector

This initiative is part of a series of technological improvements adopted by the Saudi Electricity Company to modernize the Saudi power grid. Toshiba’s adoption of GIT could encourage other countries in the region to consider similar technologies, contributing to a safer, more stable power grid throughout the Middle East. It also strengthens Toshiba’s position as a world leader in advanced energy solutions. The success of this project could also pave the way for new collaborations between Toshiba and other governmental and commercial entities in the region. The growing demand for resilient and sustainable energy infrastructures continues to drive innovation and the expansion of technological capabilities in the global energy sector.

European Union member states have approved the principle of a full ban on Russian natural gas imports, set to take effect by the end of 2027.
CMA CGM becomes the first international container shipping company to commission LNG-powered ships from an Indian shipyard, all to be registered under the Indian flag.
KLN strengthens its industrial project portfolio with progress on the WHPA platform in Libya, a major offshore site valued at over HK$10bn ($1.28bn), aimed at supporting regional gas supply.
US LNG producer Venture Global will report its Q3 2025 financial results before markets open, followed by a conference call for investors.
NextDecade confirmed a final investment decision for Train 5 at Rio Grande LNG, backed by full $6.7bn funding, marking its second decision in a month.
Sudan seeks partnership with Belarus to rehabilitate its energy grid amid prolonged humanitarian, economic and logistical crisis.
The Malaysian group launched three tenders to sell up to five liquefied natural gas cargoes in November and December, sourced from its Bintulu and PFLNG Dua facilities.
The South African government ends a thirteen-year freeze on shale gas, paving the way for renewed exploration in the Karoo Basin amid a national energy crisis.
Platts' physical pricing platform records its second-highest LNG trading volume, with nearly 1.5 million tonnes exchanged despite regional demand slowdown.
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder supported the Nord Stream 2 pipeline before an inquiry, dismissing criticism over his role and Russian funding linked to the project.
Daily winter demand spikes are pushing Britain’s gas system to rely more on liquefied natural gas and fast-cycle storage, as domestic production and Norwegian imports reach seasonal plateaus with no room for short-term increases.
Rising terminal capacity and sustained global demand, notably from China and Europe, are driving U.S. ethane exports despite new regulatory uncertainties.
The United States has called on Japan to stop importing Russian gas, amid rising tensions over conflicting economic interests between allies in response to the indirect financing of the war in Ukraine.
Australian group Santos lowers its annual production forecast after an unplanned shutdown at the Barossa project and delayed recovery in the Cooper Basin.
VoltaGrid partners with Oracle to deploy modular gas-powered infrastructure designed to stabilise energy use in artificial intelligence data centres while creating hundreds of jobs in Texas.
GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant Explorations Group launch a joint project to integrate LNG-powered fuel cells and a CO₂ capture system on a cruise ship scheduled for 2030.
Storengy has launched its 2025/2026 campaign to sell gas storage capacity over four years, targeting the commercialisation of nearly 100 TWh by 2030, with over 27 TWh available starting in 2026-27.
The US government has withdrawn its proposal to suspend liquefied natural gas export licences for failure to comply with maritime requirements, while maintaining a phased implementation schedule.
Soaring electricity demand in Batam, driven by new data centres, leads INNIO and MPower Daya Energia to secure 80 MW and launch a five-year maintenance programme.
Tamboran has completed a three-well drilling campaign in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, with 12,000 metres of horizontal sections prepared for stimulation and maintenance ahead of the commercial phase.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.