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Types of Transmission Towers in Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) – NGSA Standards

 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is rapidly expanding its energy infrastructure projects to meet the growing demand for electricity. At the heart of this growth lies the high voltage transmission network, which delivers reliable power from generation plants to cities, industries, and remote areas.

To ensure safety and efficiency, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) follows strict NGSA (National Grid Saudi Arabia) standards for designing and selecting transmission towers. These lattice steel towers are engineered to withstand extreme desert conditions, high wind loads, and long transmission spans.

In this article, we will explore the different types of transmission towers in Saudi Arabia, their applications, and how they contribute to the power transmission system design.

High voltage transmission tower in Saudi Arabia desert under SEC NGSA standards


Why Transmission Towers Are Crucial in Power Grid Development

Every kilometer of transmission line construction requires careful planning. The right tower design ensures:

  • Stable support for 69kV, 230kV, and 380kV transmission lines.

  • Safety and reliability of the electrical grid in Saudi Arabia.

  • Prevention of cascading failures and costly outages.

  • Long-term durability, reducing transmission line maintenance cost.

Types of Towers in SEC NGSA Standards

According to SEC standards TES-P-122.05 (Part I – Lattice Steel Towers), different types of towers are used depending on voltage level, terrain, and transmission line deviation angle.

1. Tangent Tower with Suspension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 0°–3° (69–230kV), 0°–2° (380kV)

  • Use: Straight sections of high voltage transmission lines.

  • Benefit: Cost-effective and widely used in power grid development.

2. Small Angle Tower with Tension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 2°–10° (69–230kV), 2°–10° (380kV)

  • Use: Minor directional changes.

  • Benefit: Stronger than tangent towers, reducing risk of line swing.

3. Light Angle Tower with Tension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 10°–30° (69–230kV), 10°–35° (380kV)

  • Use: Moderate turns in transmission line routing.

  • Benefit: Balances strength with economic design.

4. Medium Angle Tower with Tension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 30°–45° (69–230kV), 35°–60° (380kV)

  • Use: Large directional changes in the network.

  • Benefit: Provides durability in complex terrains.

5. Heavy Angle Tower with Tension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 45°–90° (69–380kV)

  • Use: Sharp line deviations and special terrain conditions.

  • Benefit: Built for maximum reliability under extreme loads.

6. Anchor Tower with Tension Strings

  • Deviation Angle: 0°–3° (69–380kV)

  • Use: Sectionalizing the line to avoid cascading failures.

  • Benefit: Increases power system reliability in Saudi Arabia.

7. Dead-End / Terminal Tower

  • Deviation Angle: 0°–30° (69–380kV)

  • Use: Start and end points of transmission line projects.

  • Benefit: Designed for maximum pulling force and stability.

8. Transposition Tower

  • Deviation Angle: 0°–2° (69–380kV)

  • Use: Rearranges conductors to balance electrical load.

  • Benefit: Improves power quality, reduces interference.

Key SEC Engineering Considerations

  • Deviation angles are calculated for ruling spans but may be adjusted with SEC approval.

  • Dead-End towers must handle both minimum and maximum entry/take-off angles.

  • For longer spans, special transmission tower designs are introduced.

Role of Transmission Towers in Saudi Arabia’s Energy Vision

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes investment in energy infrastructure projects. Robust transmission line towers play a central role by:

  • Ensuring grid reliability for industries and urban centers.

  • Supporting renewable energy integration from solar and wind farms.

  • Reducing overall transmission line construction cost through optimized designs.

Conclusion

The types of transmission towers defined by SEC NGSA standards are more than just steel structures – they are essential for powering the Kingdom’s growth. From tangent towers in long straight stretches to dead-end and heavy angle towers in challenging terrains, each design has a specific role in strengthening the Saudi power transmission system.

For engineers, contractors, and researchers, understanding these towers is key to future power transmission projects in Saudi Arabia.

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