The company aims to dominate Saudi Arabia’s power substation market, leveraging technical excellence, strategic partnerships, and national development goals to drive growth and innovation in the region, Mohammed Latif and Nasser Alshahrani tell OGN

In the heart of Saudi Arabia's energy transformation, PA COST International stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability. The company has rapidly evolved into a pivotal player in the power sector.

Known for its ability to tackle the most demanding projects with precision and efficiency, PA COST International has not only set industry standards but also helped shape the kingdom’s energy landscape through its strategic, high-impact projects.

In an exclusive interview with OGN energy magazine, Mohammed Latif, General Manager, and Nasser Alshahrani, Business Development Manager, discuss the company's unique specialisation approach in providing highly customised solutions for the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

Unlike many of its competitors, PA COST International offers a suite of services that includes everything from advanced electrical protection systems to comprehensive power substation management.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

As a leading contractor to the energy, what are the highlights of your impressive journey over the years?

Mohammed Latif, General Manager

PA COST International has solidified its position as a leading EPC Contractor in the power sector since its inception due to its comprehensive service offerings, quality standards, and unwavering commitment to key clients.

Established in 2010 by architect Engineer Othman Rashid Al-Othman, the company is a prominent Saudi multi-disciplinary EPC Contractor with branches in Khobar and Riyadh.

PA COST International is ISO 9001 (QAMS) and ISO 45001 (OHS) certified, reflecting its commitment to quality and safety standards. It has a total workforce of 350.

PACOST offers a wide range of services to support various aspects of the oil and gas sector, including EPC power automation and substations.

This strategic diversification has enabled us to adeptly respond to market fluctuations and meet the evolving needs of our valued clients.

Over the years we have completed a multitude of high-profile projects, encompassing large-scale power automation projects. These endeavours have not only augmented our portfolio but also exemplified our capacity to proficiently execute complex projects within designated timelines and budgetary constraints.

Moreover, our journey as a leading contractor in the power sector is a testament to our dedication, adaptability, and forward-thinking approach.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving growth, embracing innovation, and contributing to the sustainable development of the energy industry

What specialised products (and services) can you offer the oil and gas, petrochemicals, industries? State the distinguishing elements?

PA COST International possesses substantial expertise in engineering management, and execution of electrical transmission and distribution substation projects within the Kingdom.

Its wide-ranging scope of capabilities in the power sector spans power substations, transmission and distribution lines, electrical equipment protection systems, communication facilities, HVAC. Our aim is to establish a significant presence within the expanding power construction industry of the kingdom.

PA COST International’s specialisation in services and distinguishing features position it as a highly regarded partner for clients within the oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power sectors.

The company is dedicated to supporting clients in achieving our operational objectives through the provision of innovative and dependable solutions.

PA COST International’s distinguishing elements include:

• Customised solutions: PA COST International has the ability to tailor products and services to meet the specific needs of each client, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Quality assurance: PA COST International is committed to the highest quality standards, with rigorous testing and quality control procedures.

• Local expertise and global reach: PA COST International’s strong understanding of the local market dynamics combined with access to global resources and expertise ensures effective and efficient service delivery.

Are there any new developments at PA Cost International, such as new manufacturing facilities, production lines, products, services, manpower, etc?

We are eagerly anticipating exciting developments at the PA Cost International manufacturing facilities in the Kingdom.

While there haven't been recent formal announcements about new production lines, capacities, or expansions, we are actively exploring future opportunities.

Our efforts are in line with the ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom into a global manufacturing hub. We look forward to aligning our plans with these broader industrial growth initiatives and contributing to this dynamic vision.

Can you name the most exciting project you have worked on in the Kingdom?

The most notable projects include the construction of the Qiran Housing Project 132/13.8 kV substation in the Riyadh region, and the construction of the new Munisyah 132/13.8 kV substation, along with the expansion of the 132 kV GIS substation in the Riyadh region.

Despite facing challenges in material supply, we were able to successfully complete the projects within the specified time frame and budget.

An ongoing project is the construction of the Dammam Stadium 115/13.8 kV substation project. This project was announced by ROSHEN, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and Saudi Electricity Company (SEC).

How much has PA COST International achieved as part of its In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) plan?

PA COST International has achieved a growth rate of 27 per cent, indicating significant opportunities within the electrical materials category, specifically pertaining to transformers, switchgears, and breakers.

What is PA COST International doing to develop the capabilities of Saudi engineers and technicians?

PA COST International is involved in cultivating the skills of Saudi engineers and technicians as part of broader efforts to advance the Vision 2030 objectives.

These objectives aim to bolster local proficiency across various industries, with a specific focus on engineering and technical disciplines.

The following outlines several potential ways in which PA COST International is contributing in this regard:

• Training programmes: PA COST International supports specialised training programmes for Saudi engineers and technicians. These programmes cover various aspects of engineering, project management, and cost control, tailored to the specific needs of industries within Saudi Arabia.

• Knowledge transfer: By working on local projects, PA COST International is facilitating knowledge transfer from international experts to local engineers. This involves mentoring and collaborative work environments where local talent can learn directly from experienced professionals.

As a leading EPC contractor, PA COST International envisions establishing itself as a trusted partner in the power sector and a leader in the engineering, construction, procurement, and commissioning of power substations, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency.

What are your growth plans in Saudi Arabia?

PA COST International plans to become a leader in the electrical power substation sector and key player in the broader energy and infrastructure markets.

By focusing on technical excellence, strategic partnerships, and alignment with national development goals, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia ongoing economic transformation.

The growth strategy is to develop a strong track record of successful projects delivery and a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and local content.

PA COST International is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for power infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.

By Abdulaziz Khattak