Staff Reporter
AS part of continuous investments made to keep the national power grid in a superior condition to ensure an efficient, reliable and effective electricity supply, NamPower has commenced with the construction of a new 287-kilometre-long transmission line.
The new 400 kiloVolt line will transmit electricity between the Auas substation near Dordabis and the Gerus substation near Otjiwarongo.
According to a statement issued by the national electricity supplier, the transmission line is part of the utility company’s continuous investment in expanding its 400 kV transmission infrastructure backbone, by more than 800 kilometres.
“The construction of the transmission line is a testament of NamPower’s ambition to deliver sustainable security of supply and a least-cost tariff path that will support economic growth and maintain the company’s financial sustainability,” the statement says.
The line will be built to ensure that NamPower maintains pace with the evolving electricity needs of the country.
“When completed the line will allow the utility company to serve an increased number of customers through access to its existing Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and prospective solar, hydro, biomass, wind and other generation plants, thereby enhancing access to clean energy in the country. Further to that, the line will also allow for an increased transfer capacity to NamPower’s transmission customers to alleviate challenges currently experienced in ensuring continued electricity supply. The new transmission line will enhance NamPower’s ability to trade electricity between other countries within the South African Power Pool (SAPP),” the statement says.
The line is also expected to benefit all Namibians through increased access to data services, as NamPower currently avails its fibre-optic network built into transmission lines, through its subsidiary, the GridOnline, to licensed telecommunication service providers.
Line construction is expected to be conducted using primarily the lightweight Cross-Rope Suspension Towers with the conductors in a compact delta configuration.
According to the statement, these towers uses a reduced amount of steel and blend into the surroundings. the aim is to minimise the environmental impact, as well as to reduce pollution.
“In addition, the choice of material and design of the towers will minimise the impact on birdlife, as certain identified sections on the structure will be marked with bird flight diverters,” the statement said.
The line route will traverse the Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions. The alignment of the line is expected to cross the B6 road to the west of the Hosea Kutako International airport, as well as the B1 south of Otjiwarongo and the C38 between Otjiwarongo and Outjo.
Power Line Africa was appointed as the contractor through a process of Open International Bidding, conducted by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia.
The accepted contract amount for the construction of the transmission line is N$629 801 144 and the project is expected to be completed by the second half of 2022.
According to the statement, continued investment in new generation capacity, NamPower will implement further projects to expand its 400 kV transmission capacity to ensure that it can continue to deliver on its mandate of providing reliable electricity for the future needs of Namibia.
