Once completed, the construction of the Arba Minch II 230 KV substation is expected to boost the city’s power supply capacity by more than four times its current level, according to the Southern Expansion Project of the National Electric Grid.
The substation is being built to provide reliable power to the planned integrated agro-processing industrial park in Arba Minch, as well as to surrounding areas within a 120-kilometer radius, as stated by the project manager, Mr. Andualem Melaku.

He noted that the substation is equipped with two 125 MVA, two 63 MVA, and two 50 MVA transformers. The installation of ten 33 kV and five 15 kV distribution lines is also in progress.
According to Mr. Andualem, 65% of the civil works and 15% of the electromechanical works have been completed, with the overall project progress surpassing 62%.
In addition to the Arba Minch II Substation, expansion work at the Wolaita Sodo II Substation has also reached 62% completion. The expansion includes the installation of two 250 MVA transformers and the construction of steel structures for two 230 kV transmission lines.
The construction of the Arba Minch II Substation has a budget exceeding $37 million, while the expansion of the Wolaita Sodo II Substation is allocated more than $14 million.
Furthermore, along the 230 kV transmission line stretching from Wolaita Sodo II to Arba Minch II Substation, 381 steel towers are being installed. So far, 255 foundation excavations, 242 foundation constructions, and 22 tower erections have been completed.
The Southern Grid Site 1 project includes the expansion of one new substation and two existing substations, along with the construction of 216 kilometers of 230 kV and 132 kV transmission lines.
The Southern Expansion Project of the National Electric Grid is being executed by Hyosung Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd., a South Korean company, with the overall project progress surpassing 60%.