Design of high and extra-high voltage grid extension, Angola

Eltel Networks Engineering SA in cooperation with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) s.a.l. participated in a project of extension of high and extra-high voltage networks in Angola in connection with the construction of hydropower plant on Kwanza River. The project was prompted by the growing demand for electricity due to the growing economy. The client was the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (MINEA) represented by the Central Kwanza Development Office (GAMEK). As part of the contract, we provided technical consultancy services, including participation in towers testing, verification of project documentation and technical supervision on the construction of transmission lines and high voltage substations.

In the scope of lines, the project included six 400 kV lines (Laúca-Catete, Laúca -Capanda, Laúca -Cambutas, Cambutas-Bita, Catete-Bita, Capanda-Malanje), two 220 kV lines (Bita-Zango, Bita-Camama) and one 110 kV line (Cacuso-Calandula).

The project was enormous – this is perfectly illustrated by the overall length of the lines, the total number of towers and the overview map attached above. This, however, can be seen at first glance. What is not visible is, among other things, the location of the lines in different wind zones and terrains (from relatively flat, through wetlands, to mountains), often far from main communication routes or human settlements. Our employees were able to experience this first-hand when, as part of their on-site supervision, they had to travel over remote roads where, at times, even four-wheel drive off-road vehicles had difficulty passing obstacles, especially during the rainy season.

One of the difficulties the designers had to overcome was that, at the start of the project, they were unfamiliar with the national standards for line design. However, the fact that the people selected for this task already had experience with projects abroad made it easier for them to adapt to the change of approach and to embrace the new requirements.

The project involved teams from Poland, Lebanon, Brazil and Angola, among others, which created a real cultural melting pot. This could have been a bit of a challenge at first, especially when the documentation submitted for review was not in English or when it was necessary to deal with workers on site. We managed to overcome all this and communicated without misunderstandings.

This project, carried out by the Eltel Networks Engineering SA team from the beginning of 2016 until the end of 2021, was an interesting and challenging assignment from a foreign market. We completed the tasks on time with high standards. This confirms that our team is a business partner that provides customers with difficult, unusual projects on defined dates and in the quality they expect.