March 9^th, 2010,
Dubai, UAE

AREVA Transmission and Distribution is showcasing a number of the company’s major projects during this week’s Wetex 2010 exhibition which will run till March 11, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Zabeel Halls. Dedicated to ensuring an energy-efficient future, AREVA’s exposition will concentrate on smart grids, renewable energy solutions and turnkey capabilities. AREVA’s T&D division is one of the top three global leaders in electricity transmission and distribution, with approximately 31,000 employees based in 72 industrial sites and serving 30,000 customers in 160 countries.

One of the highlights at this year’s booth is AREVA T&D’s augmented reality program, where attendees will be able to experience the company’s recent GCCIA Phase interconnection project in 3D. The GCCIA—an organization dedicated to creating integrated and sustainable energy economies amongst the Gulf States—selected AREVA T&D for the design, engineering, manufacturing and construction of a 1,800 MW HVDC back-to-back converter station—The first in the region—structured through three separate 600 MW poles.

AREVA T&D has conducted a full set of system studies to assess HVDC operation under extreme conditions over 20 years. This solution will increase the grid stability and efficiency, leading to a special role and relationship that AREVA T&D has developed with GCCIA. The AREVA Integrated Energy Management and Control and Protection Systems have been selected to ensure the full control of the installations based on AREVA T&D e-terra application. In addition to latest 400 kV substations projects to be promoted at Wetex, AREVA T&D will exhibit models of their new F35 Gas-insulated switchgear and one of their 132 kV substation delivered in U.A.E.

Commenting on the company’s exhibit, Mazen Hamadallah, Regional Vice President, AREVA Near & Middle East, says, “Wetex 2010 is an invaluable opportunity for us to meet with our customers and industry experts and to enhance AREVA T&D’s worldwide profile as architects of an energy efficient future. The event provides an avenue for industry leaders to keep abreast of the latest developments in the Gulf region in the field of water, energy and environment.”

Hamadallah also believes that Wetex is an ideal location for discussing the building of Smart Grids within the Middle East; a major priority within AREVA’s research and development department that the company is focusing on during the year. “Smart Grid products and energy management solutions are specifically designed to address global energy challenges and sustainable generation methods,” added Hamadallah.

AREVA’s research initiatives include real-time monitoring applications which automatically adjust and reorganize electricity transmission to optimize performance. These Smart Grids offer higher standards of efficiency by continuously adapting to demand and supply variables while integrating active consumer participation into the grid. AREVA T&D provides equipment, systems and services to achieve this safely and effectively.