French nuclear energy group Areva said its transmission and distribution division had signed a turnkey contract to build a high-voltage substation in Saudi Arabia.

The 67 million euro ($91.6 million) contract was awarded by the project engineering procurement contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as part of a water project led by the Shuqaiq Water and Electricity Co, Areva said.

Under the contract, Areva T&D will also supply associated control and protection systems as well as engineering, erection and commissioning works.

The substation is scheduled for delivery by April 2009.

Michel Augonnet, executive vice-president of Areva T&D's Systems Business Unit said: "We were awarded this contract against fierce competition due to our optimal project delivery time, recognised reactivity and longstanding expertise."