Prysmian, a worldwide leader in cables and systems for energy and telecommunications, has won a €140 million ($196 million) contract from the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) for the development of the country’s first-ever high-voltage submarine power link in the country.

The submarine cable turnkey project will serve Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The deal follows an earlier €168 million ($235 million) contract secured by a Prysmian-led consortium for the construction of a high-voltage underground cable system, and further confirms Prysmian’s  key role in the power transmission network expansion of the region.
Among other projects, Prysmian is currently involved in the construction of the submarine power connection between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, with the GCCIA (Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority).
Prysmian says its know-how and experience in the supply of integrated turnkey solutions has been key to succeeding in this challenging technological and market environment.
The Doha project requires the provision of engineering, marine and land surveys and procurement and cable construction, as well as submarine and land installation and commissioning services for 220 kV submarine and underground power cables for a total of 63 km and related accessories. Installation will start next year and is due to be completed at the end of 2010. The cable will be manufactured in Arco Felice (Italy), Prysmian’s submarine cable plant.
The project is representative of the new stage in Qatar Power Transmission Expansion to continue the reinforcement of the main transmission networks and to secure the power supply to industrial and domestic sectors.
The Middle East has been targeted as a strategic area of expansion for Prysmian.
Other current projects in the region include: supply and installation of high-voltage cables and systems for Emirates Aluminum Company  (Emal), the world’s largest smelter under construction in Abu Dhabi; main transmission projects (high-voltage cables) in Fujairah (UAE) and Doha; the Pearl GTL project started in 2006 and the Ras Laffan gasfield downstram development (industrial cables), both in Qatar; fire protection power cables for the Burj Dubai, the tallest tower in the world; and submarine medium-voltage cables for interconnecting the The Palm islands, also in Dubai.  
A global company with two key divisions – Energy Cables and Systems and Telecom Cables and Systems – Prysmian’s sales exceeded €5 billion ($7 billion) last year.
Net income for the first half of 2008  has increased by over a quarter and there has been a strong increase in the order book for high voltage and submarine cables.