ABB to Strengthen Mozambique’s Power Transmission Grid

ABB has won an order worth around $20 million 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 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.