Jindal Steel Sohar has implemented a significant upgrade to its protection systems at the Sohar facility, enhancing operational reliability and minimising downtime. By integrating ABB’s advanced Relion technology, the company aims to support sustainable growth and align with Oman’s Vision 2040.
As the leading privately-owned integrated steel producer in the Persian Gulf, Jindal Steel Sohar (JSS) boasts a 2.4 million-ton annual production capacity. With over $1.5 billion in regional investments, JSS faced a critical challenge: modernising its ageing infrastructure without disrupting operations. The outdated protection relays were a concern due to their wear, influencing lead times and cost impacts for critical systems.
ABB proposed a targeted retrofit solution, implementing Relion REX615 and REX640 protection relays. This strategy avoided costly switchgear replacement, preserving existing infrastructure while enhancing reliability and durability. Mr. Srinivasan Sankaran, Head DR at Jindal Steel Sohar, stated, “ABB’s retrofit solution ensured business continuity at our Sohar facility. By modernising our protection systems, we significantly enhanced reliability and avoided unnecessary downtime.”
The solution involved replacing 12 protection units while maintaining over 90% of the existing infrastructure. This approach minimised financial and environmental costs associated with manufacturing new switchgear.
ABB’s global-local expertise proved crucial, with their Electrification Service centre in Finland providing fully programmed relays for direct installation. Locally, the Oman Electrification Service team conducted on-site demonstrations, building confidence in the solution.
“This project demonstrated the power of ABB’s global service network,” said Amarish Tiwari, Electrification Service Manager at ABB in Oman. “We committed to a six-week delivery, and our Finland colleagues ensured materials arrived ahead of schedule.”
The integration of ABB’s Relion relays has transformed operations at Jindal Steel Sohar, offering real-time visibility into equipment status and enabling smarter maintenance decisions. The advanced communication capabilities have improved monitoring, preventing costly downtime and ensuring a resilient power network.
Vivekananthan Sabesan, Site Lead Engineer, Electrification Service at ABB in Oman, commented, “This retrofit demonstrates targeted modernisation at its best. We successfully replaced 12 protection relays across 6 feeders during a tight maintenance window.”
With enhanced protection systems, Jindal Steel Sohar is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and modernisation, reinforcing its market-leading position in the Persian Gulf. The retrofit strengthens confidence in strategic infrastructure investments, balancing operational excellence with sustainable development.
