Alweendo switches on 400 kV transmission line

Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo last Friday officially switched on a 400-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that stretches from Auas to Gerus.The 289-kilometre Auas-Gerus project is worth more than N$870 million, and involves the construction of a N$629 million power line as well as the upgrade of the Auas substation to the tune of N$241 million, according to NamPower managing director, Simson Haulofu.He said this is a milestone in the larger NamPower expansion programme worth more than N$4 billion, which aims to strengthen the national power grid with about 800 kilometres of 400 kV line.NamPower is already working on its next projects: The construction of the Obib-Oranjemund line and the Auas-Kokerboom transmission line. The 96-kilometre line from Obib to Oranjemund will provide the second 400 kV connection between NamPower and South Africa&#039;s Eskom, and is expected to be completed by the second half of next year - to the tune of N$1.2 billion.The Auas-Kokerboom line is the second to connect the substations outside Windhoek and Keetmanshoop respectively, and is financed by the World Bank for around N$1.85 billion. Construction on this line should start next year and it should be operational by 2028.Strengthened networkHaulofu said the strengthened network will be able to handle future capacity requirements, but will also offer Namibia greater ability to trade in power supply and to distribute power within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).In addition, 420 kV air-core high voltage diversion reactors (HVSRs) are now being used on the Auas line for the first time in Africa and the second time in the world to prevent excessive voltage levels. In the past, NamPower used oil-based systems that required more maintenance and were more costly. But since 2021, the power utility has made the decision to install HVSR systems in new substations, Haulofu said.Significant milestone Alweendo described the construction of the 400 kV transmission line as a significant milestone in Namibia&#039;s energy security and cooperation in the region.“This infrastructure will facilitate increased regional trade, allowing us to export surplus energy to neighbouring countries. Furthermore, it will improve the security of our energy supply to meet the increasing demands of industries and ensure stability and reliability for investors."He further expressed his pride in the work done by Namibians and said the skills and experience gained will enable Namibians to complete similar projects successfully in the future.– augetto@republikein.com.n

Alweendo switches on 400 kV transmission line

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-14

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Alweendo switches on 400 kV transmission line

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-14

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