We hereby acknowledge that Energoprojekt Kraków SA, now Eltel Networks Engineering SA, has performed for us between the years 2016 and 2021 the following works: design review of the detailed design documents and drawings for the transmission lines in Angola [...], design review of the detailed design documents and drawings for secondary systems for substations in Angola […], supervision services during construction stage of the project. We confirm that the works have been performed promptly and with due diligence. Herein we express our thanks to the review teams and office management for engaging competent designers and achieving very constructive and effective remarks during project implementation. We consider Eltel Networks Engineering SA is a reliable, competent, trustworthy and commendable partner.
Hader C Hout
Senior Associate / Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) s.a.l.
FACTS
Investor: Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (MINEA)
Location: Angola, provinces: Luanda, Bengo, Kwanza North and Malanje
Completion: 2016 – 2021
LINE DETAILS
- 6 new single circuit 400 kV lines (double/triple bundle)
- one new single- circuit 220 kV line (single conductor)
- one new double circuit 220 kV line (double bundle)
- one new single circuit 110 kV line (single conductor)
- total lines length of over 750 km
- over 1900 tower positions, 22 types of towers
- Zango 220/60 kV substation (for secondary circuits and telecommunications)
- Bita 400/220/60 kV substation (for secondary circuits and telecommunications)
CHALLENGE
Eltel Networks Engineering SA in cooperation with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) s.a.l. participated in a project of extension of high and extra-high voltage networks in Angola in connection with the construction of hydropower plant on Kwanza River. The project was prompted by the growing demand for electricity due to the growing economy. The client was the Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (MINEA) represented by the Central Kwanza Development Office (GAMEK). As part of the contract, we provided technical consultancy services, including participation in towers testing, verification of project documentation and technical supervision on the construction of transmission lines and high voltage substations.
In the scope of lines, the project included six 400 kV lines (Laúca-Catete, Laúca -Capanda, Laúca -Cambutas, Cambutas-Bita, Catete-Bita, Capanda-Malanje), two 220 kV lines (Bita-Zango, Bita-Camama) and one 110 kV line (Cacuso-Calandula).
The project was enormous - this is perfectly illustrated by the overall length of the lines, the total number of towers and the overview map attached above. This, however, can be seen at first glance. What is not visible is, among other things, the location of the lines in different wind zones and terrains (from relatively flat, through wetlands, to mountains), often far from main communication routes or human settlements. Our employees were able to experience this first-hand when, as part of their on-site supervision, they had to travel over remote roads where, at times, even four-wheel drive off-road vehicles had difficulty passing obstacles, especially during the rainy season.
One of the difficulties the designers had to overcome was that, at the start of the project, they were unfamiliar with the national standards for line design. However, the fact that the people selected for this task already had experience with projects abroad made it easier for them to adapt to the change of approach and to embrace the new requirements.
The project involved teams from Poland, Lebanon, Brazil and Angola, among others, which created a real cultural melting pot. This could have been a bit of a challenge at first, especially when the documentation submitted for review was not in English or when it was necessary to deal with workers on site. We managed to overcome all this and communicated without misunderstandings.
EFFECT
This project, carried out by the Eltel Networks Engineering SA team from the beginning of 2016 until the end of 2021, was an interesting and challenging assignment from a foreign market. We completed the tasks on time with high standards. This confirms that our team is a business partner that provides customers with difficult, unusual projects on defined dates and in the quality they expect.
