Zurich, Switzerland, Nov. 9, 2007 – ABB 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.
NamPower is building a 350 kilovolts (kV), 300-megawatt (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 neighboring countries. The design allows for an extension to 600MW.
The link will use ABB’s innovative and environmentally friendly HVDC Light system, a high-voltage direct current transmission technology that will stabilize the two weak networks and increase grid reliability in the region.
“The new Caprivi Link Interconnector will enable the establishment of power trading in the expansive region of southern Africa,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division “It will allow a more efficient use of power resources in the region, including renewable energy.”
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 kilovolts (kV) and marks the first time the technology will be used for long overhead transmission lines. The system is scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2009.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.
