It is the first subsea power transmission network in the GCC RIYADH: The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has awarded SNC-Lavalin, a Canadian consultancy firm, a $3.6 billion, four-year advisory and engineering services contract to support its offshore operations Among SNC-Lavalin’s responsibilities are the design review of the converter stations, the submarine cables, and the integration of the onshore and offshore grid. It will also review implementation plans for health, safety, and the environment, as well as quality assurance, quality control, and supervision throughout the construction and commissioning phases. Last December, Kepco, a South Korean utility firm, was awarded a $3.6 billion contract to develop the high-voltage direct-current project. It is the first subsea power transmission network in the GCC. Originally called Project Lightning, the scheme involves two independent subsea HVDC transmission links of approximately 1,000MW and 600MW, as well as onshore and offshore HVDC converter stations in Abu Dhabi. The project will replace existing offshore gas turbine generators with more sustainable energy sources available in Abu Dhabi’s onshore power network, which is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of Adnoc’s offshore operations by more than 30 percent.