The Gode 230 kV substation is fully prepared to supply electricity to the upcoming fertilizer factory, a joint venture between the Government of Ethiopia and the Dangote Group, according to the facility’s manager.
Technical Infrastructure and Current Supply
The substation manager, Ato Gideon Abera, outlined the facility’s current operational capacity:
- Incoming supply: One 230 kV transmission line from Raitu
- Outgoing supply: Seven transmission lines distributing power at 132 kV and 33 kV
Current beneficiaries include:
- The Kebridehar substation (via 132 kV line)
- The towns of Gode, Hawa Dege (Hadaway), and Adadle, including surrounding areas
- Two data mining companies connected to the grid
Expansion and Modernization
To meet the anticipated industrial demand of the fertilizer plant, the substation has undergone major upgrades:
- New capacity: A 25 MVA transformer has been installed to ensure a reliable power supply for the factory
- System upgrades: Expansion works have been completed, including the replacement of Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) breakers, modernizing the station’s operational systems
Knowledge Transfer and Future Readiness
Ato Gideon noted that the expansion was implemented using regional technical capacity, creating valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and skills transfer among newly recruited engineers and technical experts.
He further emphasized that, given its current capacity, the substation is well positioned to accommodate additional power demands beyond the fertilizer project.
