RIYADH: NEOM’s water and electricity subsidiary ENOWA has completed a trial using helicopters to install high-voltage transmission line towers, advancing its renewable-based energy system project.
The innovative construction method involves airlifting individual tower components to the NEOM mountains and assembling them at the tower base. This approach eliminates the need for carbon-intensive trucks, cranes, and heavy equipment, aligning with NEOM's commitment to sustainability.
“Building the power grid transmission towers in the mountains of NEOM is an opportunity for ENOWA to set a standard for using this world-class method of construction, helping to offset environmental impact and preserve the integrity of the natural environment,” said Thorsten Schwarz, ENOWA’s executive director of Power System Engineering.
The press release further noted that this project was led by Jumanah Al-Murdhi, an engineer from Saudi Arabia, in a move in keeping with ENOWA’s drive to nurture and champion talent from across the Kingdom.
“In addition to allowing us to build NEOM’s infrastructure in harmony with nature, helicopter-aided construction will also be important for projects where the speed of delivery is a critical factor,” said Al-Murdhi.
She added: “It will minimize the time taken to deliver transmission towers, as well as the manpower and additional work that we normally require when building transmission towers using cranes.”
ENOWA delivered the project in partnership with Saudi Electricity Co., Al Sharif Group Holdings, Helicopter Express Inc., and Al Rushaid Group.
