Zimbabwe has successfully taken delivery of a 175 MVA transformer which will significantly improve the quality and reliability of power supply in the region.
The 175 MVA transformer was delivered on 10 July 2022 to the Sherwood substation in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. The transformer will significantly improve the quality and reliability of power supply. The transformer is financed via a $22.74 million Emergency Power Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project (Phase II) and funded by the African Development Bank’s ZimFund (AfDB press release, July 11, 2022).
New transformer to replace damaged equipment
“Customers fed by the Sherwood substation are spread over Midlands, Mashonaland East & West and Masvingo Provinces, serving over 1.2 million people. The substation is currently equipped with three 90 MVA, 330/88/11kV transformers, giving a total substation installed capacity of 270 MVA, against a substation demand of 350 MVA. The new transformer will replace the old equipment which is beyond repair, causing numerous power interruptions that have negatively affected households, industry, human capital institutions, and essential basic service delivery,” stated the African Development Bank.
Delay in delivery
The delivery of this transformer was delayed by the COVID-19 Pandemic, owing to the disruption of transportation and logistics.
“The project faced delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic and associated effects, especially on the production and shipping lines. We would like to thank Zimbabwe Electricity Distribution Company (ZETDC) and the people of Zimbabwe for their patience throughout this project. The delivery of the transformer was a key milestone since it is the largest key equipment included in the project scope,” said WSP Power Managing Director, Dinesh Buldoo representing the government of Zimbabwe.
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