Kuala lumpur: Patton LLC and alfanar have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at modernising the operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) networks that support electrical substations, smart-grid infrastructure, and critical energy operations throughout Saudi Arabia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the collaboration will be executed through alfanar Digital Solutions (ADS) and alfanar eDAS, focusing on industrial automation, smart-grid modernisation, digital substations, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. This will involve secure OT networking, grid cybersecurity, network segmentation, and resilient substation automation.
Burton Patton, Chief Revenue Officer of Patton, stated that the company would contribute its products, intellectual property, and engineering capabilities to back the secure digital transformation of Saudi Arabia's energy sector as the Kingdom progresses towards its Vision 2030 goals. Chadi Iskandar, Vice President of eDAS at alfanar, mentioned that the agreement merges complementary strengths to speed up the deployment of smart-grid, automation, and digital substation architectures, while ensuring security and reliability.
Under the agreement, Patton will provide technologies such as the ConnectIT CIT-SFP, which allows legacy remote terminal units (RTUs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and other devices to connect to modern Ethernet/IP networks. Additional technologies include the CopperLink CL-SFP for extending Ethernet connectivity over existing copper infrastructure and the FiberPlex SFX Data Diode SFP modules for secure, unidirectional data transfer.
The agreement also grants alfanar access to Patton's Special Projects Group, along with contract development, engineering, and manufacturing services for bespoke initiatives that support Saudi Arabia's evolving electrical infrastructure. The companies aim to explore opportunities in next-generation utility infrastructure, intelligent substations, secure OT networking, and smart transmission and distribution initiatives, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.