Saft batteries to back up critical systems at trackside substations on the Haramain High Speed Railway in Saudi Arabia

Tecnibat is deploying Saft nickel-based batteries to back up critical systems in all the trackside substations that will power the high speed train route through the desert from Medina to Mecca.
Saft is supplying 49 battery systems capable of resisting extreme desert temperatures.
Some 20 percent of the battery systems have already been deployed, while the remainder will be installed during 2015.

Paris, July 28, 2015

Saft, world leader in the design, development and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry, is supplying Tecnibat with backup power batteries for trackside substations on the Haramain High Speed Railway. Tecnibat is a major Spanish provider of electrical energy supply and backup systems. The Saft batteries will be installed at all 49 trackside substations delivering backup power for the new service that will run between the cities of Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The prestigious railway, with a total route length of 453 km served by trains capable of speeds up to 300 km/h, is expected to open its first phase at the end of 2015. It will eventually carry around three million passengers per year, significantly reducing road traffic congestion during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Saft has worked closely with Tecnibat to develop backup battery solutions for the trackside substations to ensure the security of the 125 V DC power supply for critical systems such as signaling, security and telecommunications. The batteries have been tailored to meet the special protection challenges of the desert environment, including sandstorms, shifting dunes and temperatures that fluctuate from freezing at night to + 50 ˚C during the day.

Tecnibat selected nickel-based batteries from Saft’s Spanish subsidiary that are proven in demanding trackside applications. They perform reliably in extreme temperatures and have a long operating life and low maintenance requirements, ensuring an optimized TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). The batteries are housed in special cabinets designed to protect against sand while offering ease of access to all components.

Under the contract, Saft is supplying a total of 49 battery systems, each of which has a nominal capacity of 510 Ah. Some 20 percent of the battery systems have already been deployed, while the remainder will be installed during 2015.

Ignacio Quilès, Saft Sales Manager & Managing Director Saft Baterias, Spain and South America said: “The prestigious Haramain project establishes Saft as the leader in Saudi Arabia’s rail market as well as providing a benchmark for all future high-speed rail infrastructure that will be built worldwide.”

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.

Paris, July 28, 2015

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