The Zest Group is supplying nine new WEG transformers to the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) as it upgrades its national power network to meet the growing demands driven by the mining, and specifically the uranium, industry in Namibia.
"Zest and WEG have forged a strong relationship in serving customers with rigorous equipment and service requirements," says Gary Daines, projects director at Zest. "WEG is particularly renowned for the quality and durability of its transformers which it has been manufacturing for decades and which have become the technology benchmark in the industry.

One of the WEG transformers being supplied to Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower)

"The contract with NamPower involves nine WEG transformers. The first, destined for the Van Eck Power Station in Windhoek, is a WEG 160 MVA 220/66 kV transformer. Six units, four of which are 25 MVA 132/66/22 kV and two of which are 10 MVA 132/66/22 kV units, will be used as spares.
"The final two transformers are 120 MVA 22/132/33 kV units which will be delivered and installed at NamPower's Otjikoto Transmission Station near Tsumeb in Namibia in August this year. They are intended to supply power to the new Ohorongo Cement Factory and to enhance power supply to the far northern regions of Namibia. These two transformers were recently witness-tested under full load conditions by NamPower representatives at WEG's facility in Brazil.
Important features on the WEG transformer include the design of the lockable offload tap changer which is conveniently positioned within the operator's reach and which also enhances safety and durability. An innovative pressure-relief device channels oil away from the transformer into the pit, avoiding contact with personnel and thus preventing contamination. A further feature is the in-house developed corrosion resistant paint which enables the WEG range of transformers to operate in the most aggressive environmental conditions.
www.zest.co.za