Sathish Kuppuswamy, Linxon Senior Project Manager, shares his insights on how our Abraj Street Substation is contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions in Dubai.
An innovative design model for other cities that went beyond conventional sustainability construction practices.
In a pioneering stride towards the realization of the city’s ambitious urban development goals, Linxon Gulf LLC, a global Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm faced a number of challenges completing the 8-bay 132 kV Abraj Street Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) in Dubai, which has population of 3.5 million.
The primary purpose of the substation project was to meet the rising energy requirements arising from the expansion initiatives involving the construction of new buildings of Dubai’s Business Bay area.
The scope of work
This endeavor aligns with the visionary of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai’s commitment to upgrading urban areas, enhancing resource efficiency, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities, doubling green spaces, and ensuring sustainable and flexible mobility options.
Linxon’s comprehensive offering for the Abraj Street Substation included 132 kV Gas Insulated Switchgears, power transformers, reactors, 11 kV air-insulated switchgears, earthing/auxiliary transformers, capacitor banks, control and protection systems. The EPC also included civil works, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and small power systems.
The challenges
One of the primary obstacles was the need for complex structural solutions due to the project’s location in an urban area. Business Bay, strategically positioned south of Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa, demanded meticulous engineering to navigate the dense cityscape and ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding environment.
The logistical constraints were manifold, involving coordination with various stakeholders, including cable contractors, road development contractors, and other utility entities working in close proximity. The spatial limitations imposed by the urban environment required precision in project planning and execution. The project site had only one access point, intensifying the complexity of material movement, manpower deployment, and machinery access. Skillful and agile response to this challenge was required to address these unique engineering solutions, precision engineering approach maximized efficiency in design and execution.
The Abraj Street Substation project saw the convergence of diverse disciplines, with multi-discipline contractors simultaneously engaged in civil, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), fire protection, electrical installation, testing, and commissioning activities. Maintaining coordination among these various workforces and ensuring the smooth movement of materials in a confined space required a sophisticated approach. Daily tool-box Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) talks, a stringent permit system, emergency response procedures, and continuous monitoring and supervision were integral components that contributed to the project’s successful execution.
A health, safety, and environment milestone
One of the most significant achievements of the Abraj Street Substation project was its commitment to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards. With the complexities of the construction environment and the multitude of disciplines working in tandem, the project achieved an outstanding milestone of 1.1 million safe man-hours without Lost Time Injuries (LTI). This accomplishment stands as a testament to the rigorous HSE measures implemented throughout the project’s execution and the collaborative efforts of all project stakeholders.
The Abraj Substation project not only succeeded in overcoming the intricate challenges posed by its urban setting but also set a benchmark for precision engineering, multi-disciplinary coordination, and exemplary health and safety practices, an achievement in the realm of energy infrastructure development.
Solar diesel hybrid power
The contractor’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability took center stage during the construction of the substation. The project embraced a holistic approach to reduce its carbon footprint, introducing innovative solutions that went beyond conventional practices. From the onset, sustainability strategies were implemented to minimize environmental impact, setting a precedent for responsible project execution.
One of the standout achievements was the commissioning of a solar diesel hybrid system for the substation site facilities. As a first-of-its-kind sustainability endeavor this system, engineered by Linxon, has significantly contributed to reducing environmental impact by curbing fuel consumption, and earned Linxon appreciation from the client, resulting in a certificate of recognition.
The fully engineered solar power for on-site facilities, also exemplifies a collaborative effort between Linxon and the United Arab Emirates (U A E) to create a more sustainable vision for the energy grid.
Meeting decarbonization targets
Other environmental initiatives implemented includes plastic reduction and recycling initiatives, solar-powered portable lights, paper and wood recycling efforts, and the observance of Dubai Municipality’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) week.
The holistic approach, encompassing mental well-being programs and a focus on HSE, reflects a dedication to creating not just infrastructure but sustainable, environmentally conscious communities. Linxon aims to decrease CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This forward-looking approach challenges traditional methods of building electrical substations and positions it as a catalyst for change.
Situated in the heart of the central professional district of Dubai, the Abraj Street Substation in Business Bay, serves as a pivotal component for the North 25 Project Management Group, a key player in the DH Real Estate LLC group.
“This is yet another successful collaboration between Linxon Gulf and our clients in Dubai. We are delighted to be accompanying the United Arab Emirates in the sustainable expansion of their energy grid,” said Hassan Merhi, Managing Director of Linxon Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
Sathish Kuppuswamy is a Senior Project Manager at Linxon with 22 years of experience in project and construction management.
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