SEC Tehama EPP – Replace all Network Switches for units and DCS

Project Owner	Saudi Electricity Company (SEC-WOA)
Main EPC Contractor	Saudi Arabian Engineering Co. (SAECO)
Consultant	SEC Tehama EPP – Technical Support Department
Employer / Company	Energy Resources Development Company (TAACA)
Location	Al Qunfudha
Country	Saudi Arabia

Industry	Power
Technologies & Systems	CISCO, DCS Network, Network Switches, System Integration
Project Type	System Upgrade
Status	Completed
Start Month / Year	Oct 2023
End Month / Year	Oct 2025
Project Duration	2 Years

The Role

Position / Role: Control Systems Engineer & Projects Leader

Scope of Work

Replacement of network switches serving the generating units and Distributed Control System (DCS) infrastructure at SEC Tehama EPP, including network infrastructure replacement, configuration, DCS connectivity, system integration, testing and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Managed the EPC Contractor as Owner’s Engineer.
Supervised engineering and implementation activities associated with replacement of the existing network switches.
Reviewed technical documentation, network-related engineering deliverables and implementation plans.
Coordinated replacement activities across the generating units and DCS network infrastructure.
Monitored network configuration and integration with existing plant control systems.
Coordinated interfaces between the EPC Contractor, plant technical teams and operations.
Supervised testing and commissioning activities following network-switch replacement.
Verified communication and connectivity between relevant control-system components.
Coordinated implementation activities to minimize disruption to an operating power plant.
Monitored project progress, quality and completion of the assigned scope.

Key Achievements

Successful completion of the assigned network-switch replacement scope, including integration, testing and commissioning of the upgraded network infrastructure supporting the generating units and DCS.

Lessons Learned

Control-network modernization in an operating power plant requires disciplined planning because network infrastructure is fundamental to plant control-system availability. Careful configuration management, interface verification, staged testing and close coordination with plant operations are essential when replacing network equipment while maintaining reliable and continuous plant operation.