Norinco International Signs EPC Contract for Ethiopia's 400 kV Substation Project

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Norinco International and Ethiopian Electric Power signed an EPC turnkey contract for the Assosa 2400 kV substation project in Addis Ababa. The project is an important component of the Guba–Assosa 2400 kV power transmission project and will be implemented by Norinco International. Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Electric Power, and Du Xiaodong, Deputy General Manager of Norinco International, signed the agreement on behalf of both parties.

The project is located in western Ethiopia and is an important node in the country's 400 kV backbone transmission network construction. In addition to the new Assosa 2400 kV substation, the entire Guba–Assosa 2 transmission project also includes the expansion and construction of the 400 kV transmission line at the Guba end, as well as related upgrades to the existing 132 kV transmission line at Assosa. Once completed, the project will further improve western Ethiopia's high-voltage transmission network and enhance the reliability of power supply in Assosa and surrounding areas.

Ethiopian Electric Power stated that power supply in Assosa and surrounding areas currently relies mainly on the Gimbi–Mendi–Assosa transmission line. After the new substation and supporting transmission facilities are put into operation, they will alleviate the frequent power outages on the existing line and create conditions for the local area to directly receive electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. At the same time, the project will promote the connection of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to the 400 kV ring transmission network, further enhancing the power transmission capacity between large hydropower bases and the national grid.

According to Ethiopian Electric Power, the Assosa 2400 kV substation project is scheduled for a construction period of 24 months. Project implementation will involve 400 kV primary equipment, main transformers, switchgear, protection and control systems, communication systems, electrical installation, civil works, and commissioning, among other transmission and transformation engineering aspects. Ethiopian Electric Power requires the contractor to advance construction in accordance with the agreed schedule, budget, and quality standards.

Norinco International has long participated in Ethiopia's energy infrastructure construction, and cooperation between the two parties can be traced back to projects such as the Tekeze Hydropower Station. With the signing of this 400 kV substation EPC contract, Norinco International's business in Ethiopia has further extended into high-voltage transmission and transformation engineering. Ethiopian Electric Power also expressed the hope that Norinco International will continue to participate in local energy infrastructure construction and explore participation in new large-scale projects through the PPP model.