Jindal Steel Sohar (JSS) has upgraded its aging protection relays with ABB’s advanced Relion technology at its Sohar facility, improving operational reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting its sustainable growth goals.
As the largest privately owned integrated steel producer in the Persian Gulf, JSS operates a 2.4 mln tons per year facility in Oman and is investing over USD 1.5 bln to expand capacity. To maintain production continuity, the company sought to modernize its aging protection systems, critical for its 33kV and 6.6kV switchgear, without disrupting operations.
Instead of replacing entire switchgear systems, ABB implemented a targeted retrofit using Relion REX615 and REX640 relays. The solution replaced 12 protection units while preserving over 90pct of the existing infrastructure, reducing both cost and carbon footprint.
The retrofit was delivered through close collaboration between ABB’s teams in Finland and Oman, with pre-programmed relays ensuring quick installation and minimal downtime. JSS engineers received hands-on demonstrations to familiarize themselves with the new technology.
The new relays provide real-time visibility, advanced communication capabilities, and improved monitoring of feeder performance, helping prevent costly interruptions.
With the upgraded protection systems in place, Jindal Steel Sohar has strengthened its operational resilience and positioned itself to advance its growth and modernization plans in line with Oman’s Vision 2040.
Jindal Steel Sohar (JSS), formerly Jindal Shadeed Iron & Steel, is one of the largest integrated steel producers in the GCC. The company operates a 2 mln tons per annum DRI plant, a 2.4 mln tons per annum melt shop, and a 1.4 mln tons per annum rolling mill.
