Last year, ABB delivered solutions for three substations in Uganda run by the country's leading utility, Umeme Limited (UMEME). The utility manages and operates the state-owned and leased electricity distribution network assets.
ABB’s substation technologies are helping to deliver a reliable and efficient power supply in Uganda.
“We have been working in Uganda since 2005 to strengthen the country’s power distribution network, providing electricity to commercial and residential establishments,” said Gunasekaran Thevar, Managing Director East Africa for ABB Energy Industries. “These new projects strengthen our support for Uganda’s utility sector.”
The projects are part of a broader initiative to improve the country's electrical infrastructure and power distribution network, in order to ensure robust power infrastructure to support continuing economic growth. The ABB-built substations will help address current capacity constraints and enable a more reliable power supply.
One of the projects involved the upgrade of the 33/11 kV substation in Hoima, in the Bunyoro region, with gas insulated switchgear, a substation SCADA system and a dc charger system. Bunyoro's oil industry is centred around the Albertine Basin in Uganda, which holds significant oil and gas deposits. These draw attention and investment and are driving various infrastructural developments.
Thevar commented: “The upgraded Hoima substation will support Bunyoro's developing oil industry. We completed the project in a short timeframe, airlifting the ABB switchgear and installing it at the substation to meet customer requirements efficiently.”
ABB has also built the Jinja and Matugga substations to meet regional power needs.
UMEME recognises that an efficient power distribution network supports growth, development and improved living standards. ABB’s solutions at the three substations will enhance reliability and productivity in the distribution network, reducing power outages and allowing businesses and households to operate smoothly. An uninterrupted electricity supply will also contribute to improving quality of life, attracting further investment, facilitating technological advances and boosting economic growth.
Selestino Babungi, Managing Director of UMEME, said: “ABB has been a key partner in supporting our utility sector. The substations powered by ABB’s solutions will help us provide electricity to surrounding areas and uplift Uganda’s overall economic activity.”
For more information visit: www.abb.com
