Hitachi ABB Power Grids to enable major grid expansion in Egypt

Aiming to cope with rapid population growth and increased power demand, Egypt is trying to improve its grid reliability. For the strategic expansion of its Toshka 2 substation, manufacturing company El Sewedy Electric T&D contracted ABB to deliver high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and shunt reactors to ensure reliable power supply. This expansion, in the second phase of the 300-megawatt (MW) electric interconnection project between Egypt and Sudan, is an important step to transform Egypt into a regional hub for electricity exchange with African and European countries.

“ABB Power Grids is working with El Sewedy Electric T&D for many years and, once again, we proved our expertise in designing a complex technological solution in a very short time,” said Mohamed Hosseiny, Country Managing Director, Egypt & North Africa, ABB Power Grids. “This project is a key milestone in our strategy to expand its positioning across the whole continent.”

“We are committed to working with global leaders who enable us to deliver premium quality and reliable energy to the Egyptian grid. ABB Power Grids responded quickly and demonstrated exceptional expertise during the engineering process and fully met our expectations for collaboration with an international technology leader,” said Medhat Maher, CEO at El Sewedy Electric T&D.

The Toshka 2 substation will feature six bays of 500-kilovolt (kV) GIS from ABB Power Grids, making it the first such installation that will be commissioned in Egypt. GIS is a compact metal-encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which can be safely operated in confined spaces. ABB Power Grids will also supply 500 kV shunt reactors, an essential component in bringing reliable electricity to the population and ensuring that voltage levels are within safe limits to avoid possible blackouts.

ABB Power Grids is a global leader and pioneer in power technologies. We create value for customers across the energy, industrial, transportation and infrastructure sectors, delivering an extensive range of digitally-advanced solutions. Active in 90+ countries, our experts contribute deep insight that enhances reliability, efficiency and safety. Together, we are committed to shaping the future of sustainable energy for generations to come, as the partner of choice for a stronger, smarter and greener grid. www.abb.com/grid

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a technology leader that is driving the digital transformation of industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB has four, customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by the ABB Ability^™ digital platform. ABB’s Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 144,000 employees. www.abb.com