Larsen & Toubro Expands its Footprint Across Saudi Arabia and UAE with Major Energy Infrastructure Contracts
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Indian multinational engineering giant, has made headlines with its latest mega contract wins in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The company’s Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) division has secured new orders worth between ₹10,000 crore and ₹15,000 crore (approximately USD $1.2 to $1.8 billion), reinforcing its strong presence in the Middle East.
The new contracts involve developing advanced electricity transmission infrastructure across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These projects are designed to support the growing demand for reliable, high-capacity power systems and promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grids of both countries.
Saudi Arabia: Upgrading and Connecting National Power Regions
One of the major components of L&T’s latest wins comes from Saudi Arabia, where the company will undertake several critical projects for the kingdom’s electricity transmission network.
L&T has been awarded contracts to construct ±500kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission links. These HVDC systems play a key role in connecting various regional grids across the country, enabling efficient and stable power exchange between different zones.
These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader plan to modernize and interconnect its national electricity grid. This strategy not only increases energy security but also supports the integration of cleaner energy sources like solar and wind into the mainstream power supply.
In addition to the HVDC links, L&T has also been assigned three more project packages. These include:
- Construction of two 380kV overhead transmission lines
- Development of a new 380kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS)
Such infrastructure is vital for enhancing grid capacity, ensuring power reliability during peak demand periods, and facilitating long-distance electricity transmission with minimal losses.
United Arab Emirates: Boosting Abu Dhabi’s Grid with Advanced Substations
In the UAE, L&T will focus on expanding the power transmission infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, the capital city and a major energy hub in the region.
The new contracts involve the construction of two state-of-the-art 400kV GIS substations. These high-voltage substations are key nodes in the transmission network and are expected to significantly increase the grid’s ability to handle higher loads while maintaining stability and operational safety.
The scope of work for these substations includes:
- Civil construction and structural works
- Installation of Series Current Limiting Reactors and Auto Transformers
- Full deployment of control, protection, and substation monitoring systems
- Fault and power quality monitoring systems
- Advanced telecommunication systems
- Seamless integration with the Load Dispatch Centre for real-time grid management
These substations are designed to meet Abu Dhabi’s growing energy demands, support large-scale development, and enable the city’s long-term shift towards cleaner energy sources.
A Strategic Milestone for L&T’s Global Growth
Commenting on the achievement, T. Madhava Das, Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President (Utilities) at L&T, said:
“The fortification and modernization of transmission systems is the foremost step in establishing a secure, resilient grid capable of handling variable renewable generation in an evolving energy market. We thank our customers for entrusting these projects with us.”
His statement underlines the critical importance of these projects in shaping the future of power infrastructure, not only in the GCC but also as part of global efforts to transition to more sustainable and intelligent energy systems.
L&T’s success in securing these contracts also reflects its proven expertise in executing large-scale infrastructure projects in challenging environments. Its strong track record, engineering capabilities, and commitment to timely delivery have made it a trusted partner for government entities and utilities across the Middle East.
Consistent Commitment to the GCC Region
These latest contract wins add to L&T’s growing portfolio of high-impact infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Over the years, the company has built a solid reputation across the GCC through consistent performance and successful execution of various power, water, and civil infrastructure projects.
In December 2023, L&T’s PT&D arm bagged significant orders in the UAE and Kuwait for transmission lines and substations, including 220kV and 132kV systems. These wins further reinforced its regional credibility and opened doors for more complex projects like the current HVDC and 400kV GIS installations.
The company’s deep understanding of local requirements, regulatory frameworks, and engineering standards allows it to offer tailor-made solutions in each country, ensuring compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Driving the Region’s Renewable Energy Goals
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pursuing energy transition strategies that involve reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy capacity.
Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 initiative, plans to become a global leader in green energy, with major solar and wind projects in the pipeline. Similarly, the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 targets a 50% clean energy mix by mid-century, backed by massive investments in solar farms and nuclear energy.
For such ambitious goals to succeed, robust and modernized transmission networks are essential. Grid stability, power balancing, and energy storage systems will play a major role — and L&T’s projects directly support these needs.
By enabling cross-region power flow, integrating variable renewables, and ensuring minimal power losses, L&T’s infrastructure work is helping build the foundation for a cleaner, more resilient future.
Looking Ahead: L&T’s Role in Global Infrastructure Evolution
With energy demand projected to rise sharply across the Middle East due to population growth, urbanization, and industrial development, the demand for advanced power infrastructure will continue to grow.
L&T is well-positioned to take advantage of these trends. The company’s strategic focus on digitalization, automation, and sustainability gives it an edge in winning future projects involving smart grids, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and renewable energy transmission.
As more countries adopt aggressive carbon-neutral targets, the role of transmission and distribution specialists like L&T will become even more critical.
Conclusion: Engineering a Sustainable Power Future
Larsen & Toubro’s recent contract wins in Saudi Arabia and the UAE mark another milestone in the company’s global journey. These mega infrastructure projects are not just about construction — they are about building the backbone of the future energy economy.
Through innovation, engineering excellence, and deep regional engagement, L&T is playing a pivotal role in helping the GCC realize its vision for a sustainable, connected, and energy-efficient future.
With these wins, L&T continues to cement its place as a global leader in power transmission infrastructure, supporting nations as they transition to cleaner, smarter, and more reliable energy systems.
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