The construction of the Shigaden 230-kilovolt substation, part of the Southern Electricity Grid Expansion Project under Ethiopian Electric Power, has surpassed 35% completion.
Project Manager Mr. Argaw Tadi explained that the Shigaden and Tirga substations, along with the construction of a 196-kilometer power transmission line from Saula to Tirga, are being carried out under Site 2.
The Shigaden substation, with a budget exceeding $27 million, will include two 125-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformers, three 50 MVA transformers, and two shunt reactors, as stated by Mr. Argaw.
He added that the substation will feature one 230-kilovolt incoming line, one 132-kilovolt line, and fifteen 33-kilovolt outgoing lines.
Three transformers, two shunt reactors, breakers, and other necessary equipment for the substation have already arrived at the site, while the remaining electro-mechanical equipment is expected to arrive soon.
In addition to the substation, of the 387 steel towers to be erected along the 230-kilovolt double-circuit line from Saula to Shigaden, foundation work for 170 towers, base construction for 160 towers, and the erection of 12 towers have been completed.
Upon completion, the substation will significantly contribute to providing reliable electricity to the Selamago district and surrounding kebeles, as well as to the sugar factories. It will also attract investors interested in developing irrigation and other sectors in the area.
Civil Engineer Mr. Mekonnen Tilahun reported that 20% of the staff housing, 40% of the power control room, 5% of the cable transmission tube work, and 2% of the drainage system designed to protect the substation from flooding have been completed.
Of the five transformer and two shunt reactor foundation works, four have been completed, and the remaining one will be finished within a month, allowing for the installation of the transformers.
Mr. Mekonnen also noted that out of 452 electro-mechanical concrete foundation works, 300 have been completed, and efforts are underway to finish the remaining ones within two months.
The construction is being carried out by Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation. Site 2 Construction Manager Mr. Daniel Kim emphasized that the project is progressing well and is on track to meet the scheduled timeline and quality standards.
The Southern Grid Expansion Project includes the construction of three new distribution substations in Shigaden, Tirga, and Arba Minch 2, expansion work at the existing Wolaita Sodo 2 and Arba Minch 1 substations, and the construction of 424 kilometers of transmission lines.