Name and Location
Caprivi link interconnector project, Namibia.

Project Description
The Caprivi link interconnector project involved the integrated construction of a power transmission line and associated converter stations, between the north-eastern Caprivi region and the power network in central Namibia.

Phase one of the project comprised the construction of a 950-km-long, 350-kV high-voltage dc (HVDC) transmission line, and the development of a 300-MW monopole converter station and ac substation extensions at both the Zambezi substation, near Katima Mulilo, and at Gerus substation, near Otjiwarongo.

Value
Phase one of the project reportedly cost $180-million to complete.

Duration
Construction of the first phase started in 2009, and the link was officially commissioned on November 12, 2010.

Client
Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower).

Key Contracts and Suppliers
ABB (engineering, design, supply and installation of the converter stations and earth electrodes); Jyoti Structures Africa and KEC International (construction of the transmission line); Power Line Africa and Clydon Namibia, subcontracted by Jyoti Structures Africa (minor parts of construction work on the transmission line); and Babcock South Africa, subcontracted by KEC International (major parts of the construction work on the transmission line).

Latest Developments
ABB has commissioned the Caprivi link interconnector. The system connects the electrical grids in Namibia to those of neighbouring Zambia. Further, it is the first electrical connection between the Caprivi region and the rest of the country, and will supply power to the area in the event of disruption in normal supplies from Zambia.

The link is ABB’s first HVDC light trans-mission connection commissioned using long-distance overhead lines, instead of underground or underwater cables.

A possible phase two of the project is planned to upgrade the existing converter stations at both the Zambezi and Gerus substations to 600 MW. Another 285-km-long, 400-kV ac transmission line from the Gerus substation to the Auas substation, near Windhoek, will be built to increase capacity, as well as associated substation extensions at the Auas and Gerus substations.

On Budget and on Time?
Phase one of the project has been completed.

Contact Details for Project Information
ABB head of communications Harmeet Bawa, tel +41 43 317 6480 or fax +41 43 317 6482.
Babcock South Africa, Kevin Kane, tel +27 11 739 8200.
Clydon Namibia, tel +264 62 503 525.
Jyoti Structures, tel +91 22 409 15000, fax +91 22 409 15014/15015 or email contact@jsl.co.in.
KEC International, tel +91 22 666 70200 or email kecindia@kecrpg.com.
NamPower corporate communications officer Tangeni Kambangula, tel +264 61 205 2335, fax +264 61 205 2372, cell +264 81 288 0447 or email Kambangula@nampower.com.na.
Power Line Africa, tel +27 11 466 0940, fax +264 67 221 353 or email ivom@plafrica.com.