ABB Wins $20M Order To Strengthen Mozambique's Power Transmission Grid

Two new substations and nine upgrades to reinforce and extend transmission network

ABB, a global leader in power and automation technology, has won an order worth around $20M from Aarsleff – Seth JV to supply engineered equipment packages for two new substations that will extend the transmission network in Mozambique. The order also includes the rehabilitation and extension of nine existing transmission substations that will help to reinforce the grid. The substations are owned and operated by the country’s leading power utility, Electricidade de Mozambique (EdM). The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Demand for reliable power in Mozambique is growing at a rate of 10 to 15 percent per annum, thanks to industrial growth, construction activity and overall economic development. Currently, the national power grid supplies around 5000 megawatts (MW) of electricity with more than 90 percent of the capacity owned and operated by EdM.

The increasing electricity load is and growing demand-supply gap is resulting in frequent outages and blackouts. Mozambique’s ambition is to reach 10,000 MW, which could also open up the possibility of boosting export of electricity to neighboring countries.

“These substations will help to extend and strengthen the grid, enhancing power supplies to meet the increasing demand for electricity and contributing to economic development ” said Oleg Aleinikov, Head of ABB’s Substations business, a part of the company’s Power Systems division.

ABB’s project scope includes the design and supply of engineered packages for the high-voltage air-insulated switchgear (AIS) substations. Key products and systems to be supplied include circuit breakers, gas and air insulated medium voltage switchgear, IEC 61850 based open control and protection systems, and high-voltage equipment.

ABB is present in 20 countries in Africa with around 5,200 employees. The company is aiming to grow its business in the region at least twice as fast as global GDP growth rate through 2015.

ABB is the world’s leading supplier of turnkey air-insulated, gas-insulated and hybrid substations with voltage levels up to 1,100 kV. These substations facilitate the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity with minimum environmental impact, serving utility, industry and commercial customers as well as sectors like railways, urban transportation and renewables.