ABB wins $180m power order in Namibia
Power and automation technology group ABB has won an order worth $180-million from the Namibian national power utility, NamPower, to connect two parts of the country's power grid and strengthen electricity networks in southern Africa, the company said on Friday.
NamPower is building a 350 kV, 300-MW transmission link between the northeastern Caprivi region and the power network in central Namibia. This link will also interconnect the electricity networks of Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and South Africa to create an alternative route for power imports and exports to and from neighbouring countries. The design allows for an extension to 600 MW.
The link will use ABB's high-voltage direct current (HVDC) light system, a transmission technology that will stabilise the two weak networks and increase grid reliability in the region, the company explained. The system is scheduled operational by the end of 2009.
"The new Caprivi Link Interconnector will enable the establishment of power trading in the expansive region of southern Africa," said head of the power systems division Peter Leupp.
"It will allow a more efficient use of power resources in the region, including renewable energy," he added.
ABB is responsible for system engineering including design, supply and installation of the two converter stations and earth electrodes.
This project extends the voltage for HVDC light to 350 kV and marks the first time the technology will be used for long overhead transmission lines, the company noted.
