On August 13, Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd. successfully completed the installation of 17 wind turbines as part of the Saudi NEOM wind power project, marking a significant acceleration in the project’s construction.
The Saudi NEOM project is currently the world’s largest single wind farm by installed capacity. Located in the northern region of the futuristic city The Line, near the Red Sea, the project aims to drive energy transition and create a cleaner future. The total installed wind power capacity is 1.67 GW, with 257 Envision Energy 6.5 MW turbines being installed. Each turbine features a hub height of 100 meters and a rotor diameter of 171 meters. Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation is responsible for the unloading, installation, and hoisting of the turbines.
According to Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation, three installation fronts are progressing in parallel at the site. The first front has completed the installation of 10 turbines, the second front has installed 4, and the third front has completed 3 installations. Meanwhile, a 1,000-ton main crane at the fourth front is being mobilized for cross-country relocation, ensuring the project’s steady progress. Additionally, the unloading operation front has handled 87 sets of equipment, with a total weight of 52,000 tons.
Since beginning the first turbine installation in April this year, the project has faced challenges, particularly during the high-temperature season starting in June. With daytime temperatures soaring, the project team faced significant heatstroke risks. To mitigate these risks, the project management implemented a carefully planned night-time construction strategy, including the strategic placement of lighting and heat prevention measures, alongside enhanced safety supervision to ensure the smooth and safe execution of night operations.
A project team of 170 employees from five countries is contributing to the construction of the world’s largest single wind farm, setting a new benchmark for wind power in the Middle East and advancing the high-quality development of international business.
The project is expected to be fully operational by 2026, providing a solid foundation for energy security in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city and contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
