Global Transmission Report March 2014

MARCH 2014
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6
Global Transmission Report

Information and analysis on the global electricity transmission industry
Colombias Power Sector Plans
Rehabilitating Afghanistans Power Sector
Focus on renewable energy and grid expansion
Focus on increasing energy access and security
ound economic policies and promotion of free trade

agreements in recent years have helped Colombia
maintain a respectable level of economic growth. For the past
three years, the country has registered a GDP growth rate of
about 4 per cent. Oil exports comprise a significant portion of
the countrys GDP.
The dependence on oil exports is likely to increase given
the countrys target of extracting about 1.6 million barrels of
crude oil per day by 2016. Though this oil boom can help the
country maintain its economic performance in the short term,
the rising global concern over environmental degradation can
adversely affect development in the longer run.
hree decades of conflict have greatly damaged

Afghanistans power infrastructure and today the country
has one of the lowest per capita electricity consumption and
electrification rates. With the help of donor aid over the last
few years, Afghanistan has begun to build its electricity
infrastructure and is now slowly moving towards achieving
greater energy security. The country has also built a few, and
is in the process of building more, cross-border
interconnections to import power from its central Asian
neighbours.
This highlights the need for the Colombian government to

shift its focus towards the countrys large renewable energy
potential. Despite having tremendous renewable energy
potential, its harness rate has remained very low in the country.
The government has accorded top priority to the

development of the energy sector, a key element in fuelling
the countrys economic growth. In 2008, the government
approved the Afghanistan National Development Strategy
(ANDS), which calls for investments in infrastructure,
particularly for energy security.
(continued on page 2)
Tanzanias Grid Expansion Plans

Aim to meet power demand and link isolated areas
anzania is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

Fuelled by population growth and economic development,
Tanzanias energy sector is likely to witness significant
expansion over the coming years. Also, Tanzania is one of the
six partner countries that have been selected by the US
government for facilitating the development of their electricity
sectors. In July 2013, President Obama announced Power
Africa, a new USD7 billion initiative to double access to
electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme aims to help
the countries develop newly-discovered resources
responsibly, build out power generation and transmission, and
expand the reach of mini-grid and off-grid solutions. The other
five countries with which the US plans to work with initially are
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and Nigeria.
Tanzania has also formulated an ambitious power sector
development plan. The key objectives of the plan are to ensure
electricity supply to rural areas, meet future load growth and
interlink isolated systems. It also aims to diversify the existing
generation mix to reduce the dependence on hydro resources.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Features
Colombias Power Sector Plans .................................................... 1
Rehabilitating Afghanistans Power Sector ................................ 1
Tanzanias Grid Expansion Plans ................................................... 1
News
North America .................................................................................... 8
Latin America .................................................................................... 14
Asia Pacific ........................................................................................ 17
Europe ................................................................................................. 19
Middle East & Africa ....................................................................... 21
TSO Focus
Israel Electric Corporation ............................................................ 22
Policy Review
Europes Energy and Climate Change Goals ........................... 24
Spotlight
Transmission Investment in ASEAN ........................................... 26
Data & Statistics: North America
Installed Capacity, Electricity Generation and Consumption 28
Expected Capacity Addition and Consumption ....................... 29
Existing and Expected Growth in Transmission Network ..... 30
Deal Watch .............................................................................................. 31
Project Update ....................................................................................... 31
Company News ...................................................................................... 34
Tenders & Contracts ............................................................................. 37
www.globaltransmission.info
Features
Colombias Power Sector Plans (Contd...)

Although the country meets about 70 per cent of its
electricity requirement through hydro energy, the majority of
the hydropower potential remains untapped. As per World
Banks estimates, the country has about 93 GW of hydro
potential of which only little more than 9 GW has been
harnessed so far. Wind energy is another abundantly available
form of non-conventional energy in the country. Among all
the South American countries, Colombia has the highest wind
energy potential.
The Guajira Peninsula on the north-eastern tip of the
country alone has the potential to generate 21 GW of wind
energy, enough to meet double the current domestic demand.
However, even with this rare wind potential, Colombia has an
installed capacity of only 19.5 MW, a mere 0.4 percent of
Guajiras potential. The countrys proximity to the equator
makes it an excellent source of solar energy. Apart from being
the windiest, the northern coast is also the sunniest region of
the country and receives solar radiation of up to 6 kWh m2 per
day, year round.
Currently, about 78,000 photovoltaic panels have been
installed in the country, producing around 6 GW of energy. But
the majority of the solar potential remains untapped. The large
scale agricultural activities in the country also provide a
significant amount of biomass fuel.
Power demand in the country is rising rapidly with the
expansion of the middle class category consumers. According
to energy and mining planning unit Unidad de Planeacin
Minero Energticas (UPME) Plan de Expansion de Referencia
GeneracionTransmisin 2013-27, electricity demand is
expected to reach 85,091 GWh by 2022 under an average
growth scenario. This translates to a compound annual growth

rate (CAGR) of 3.9 per cent over the period 2013-22. By 2027,
consumption is expected to increase further to reach 98,864
GWh. Thus, the countrys renewable energy sources are an
effective solution to provide the required impetus to the
economy in a very sustainable as well as environment friendly
manner.
Acknowledging this, the government has planned to install
more renewable energy projects. Under its Plan de Expansion
de Referencia GeneracionTransmisin 2013-27, UPME has
announced two alternative capacity addition plans.
Under the first, Colombia plans to add about 6,569 MW of
capacity over the period 2014-27. This capacity expansion
includes 5,257 MW of hydro-based capacity, 500 MW of gasbased capacity, 710 MW of coal-based capacity, 88 MW of
liquid-fuel based capacity and 14 MW from cogeneration
plants. Under the second alternative, 6,809 MW of capacity,
including renewable, has been planned during 2014-27. This
capacity includes 5,257 MW of hydro-based, 500 MW of gasbased, 410 MW of coal-based, 300 MW of wind-based, 100 MW
of geothermal-based and 88 MW of liquid fuel-based capacity,
and 154 MW from cogeneration plants.
To accommodate this capacity addition, the country has
planned to add about 1,958 circuit km of transmission lines to
its network between 2014 and 2022. Most of these planned
additions (about 1,742 circuit km) are at the 500 kV level. About
216 circuit km of lines are at the 230 kV level. There are also
plans to reconfigure 44 circuit km of existing lines.
Power sector overview

Colombias installed capacity stood at 14,361 MW as of 2012.
About 64 per cent of this capacity is accounted for by
Figure 1: Expected growth in electricity consumption in Colombia (GWh)
Source: Unidad de Planeacin Minero Energtica
Global Transmission Report | March 2014
Features
hydropower plants. Thermal plants contribute about 31 per
cent with gas-based plants accounting for 15 per cent and
coal-based plants accounting for 7 per cent of the capacity.
The balance is contributed by small and cogeneration power
plants. Since 2005, Colombias capacity has grown only
moderately at a CAGR of 1 per cent. As of October 2013,
Colombia had an installed capacity of 14,415 MW.
Copey line; the 190 circuit km VirginiaNueva Esperanza line;

the 183 circuit km La VirginiaAlfrez line; the 158 circuit km
MedellnLa Virginia line; the 131 circuit km Cerro Matoso
Chin line; the 125 circuit km ItuangoMedelln line; and the
110 circuit km ItuangoCerro Matoso line. At the 230 kV level,
a 206 circuit km BetaniaMirolindo line is one of the key
projects.
In terms of generation mix, in 2012, hydroelectric power

accounted for 75 per cent and thermal power accounted for 19
per cent. The balance 6 per cent was contributed by small and
cogeneration plants. For 2013, the total generation in Colombia
is estimated to be 62,063 GWh.
Colombia also has plans to develop new interconnections

with its neighbours. Colombias state-owned power company
Interconexin Elctrica S.A. E.S.P. (ISA), along with the
Empresa de Transmisin Elctrica SA (ETESA) of Panama, is
developing the ColombiaPanama electricity transmission
interconnector. This is a 614 km, high voltage direct current
(HVDC) undersea cable project connecting the power grids
of Panama and Colombia. The cable will stretch 274 km within
Panama (234 km on land and 40 km underwater) and 340 km
across Colombia (325 km on land and 15 km underwater). It
will connect a substation in Panama City to the Cerro Matoso
substation in Colombia. It will have the capacity to transport
up to 300 MW of electric power in either direction. However,
lack of political will and problems in acquiring funding are
delaying the project.
Colombia also exports electricity to Venezuela and Ecuador

and imports a very small volume from Ecuador. In 2012, total
exports from Colombia stood at 714 GWh. Of this, 236 GWh
was exported to Ecuador and 478 GWh to Venezuela. In 2012,
imports were only 6.5 GWh. Up to October 2013, Colombia
exported 1,155 GWh and imported 28 GWh of electricity.
As of 2012, Colombia had a transmission line length of
24,392 circuit km. Of this, 14,109 circuit km of lines were a part
of Sistema de Transmisin Nacional (STN) or the National
Transmission System i.e., of 220 kV and above voltage levels.
Of the total transmission line length, about 10 per cent of
the lines are at the 500 kV level, 48 per cent are at the 220 kV
and 230 kV levels and the remaining 42 per cent are below 220
kV but above 110 kV. As of March 2013, the transmission line
length stood at 24,401 circuit km. Colombias transmission
network has shown almost no growth over the last three years.
Colombia currently has six major cross-border electricity
interconnectionsthree with Venezuela and three with
Ecuador. The country is a net electricity exporter. The
interconnections with Venezuela have an aggregate capacity
of 336 MW. Two of the interconnections are at 230 kV and one
is at 115 kV.
With Ecuador, Colombia has electrical interconnections
under the Andean International Electricity Transactions
scheme. These interconnections were commissioned under
the Decisin De La Comunidad Andina De Naciones No. 536
(Decision 536).
The purpose of Decision 536 is to develop the energy sector
in the Andean region, to promote the construction and
development of infrastructureincluding power plants and
transmission networks of common useand to create a single
regional transmission system. Two of the interconnections with
Ecuador are at 230 kV with a combined capacity of 500 MW
and one is at 138 kV with a capacity of 35/113 MW.
Grid expansion plans

In order to maintain the reliability and stability of the grid with
the higher generation especially from renewable energy
sources, the government has planned to add 1,958 circuit km
of transmission lines to its network between 2014 and 2022.
For its transmission expansion plan, UPME has announced a
USD2 billion investment over the period 2013-27.
Some of the key projects at the 500 kV level include the 266
circuit km long ItuangoPorce IIISogamoso line; the 257
circuit km SogamosoNorte line; the 200 circuit km Chin
Colombia is also involved in discussions with Bolivia, Chile,

Ecuador and Peru to develop a possible interconnection
between the five Andean countries. The project, called the
Andean Interconnection, is likely to consist of 2,536 km of
power lines and cost about USD950 million.
Further, talks have begun between Colombia and
Venezuela to improve existing and create new electricity
interconnections.
In August 2013, the inter-government committee for
Venezuela and Colombias electricity sector held its first
meeting in Caracas. The group discussed, among other topics,
proposals for new electricity interconnection lines between
the two countries. These include Puerto Inirida (Colombia)
San Fernando de Atabapo (Venezuela); Puerto Colombia
(Colombia)Maroa (Venezuela); Casuarito (Colombia)Puerto
Ayacucho (Venezuela); Guasdualito (Venezuela)Arauca
(Colombia); and San Carlos de Ro Negro (Venezuela)San
Felipe (Colombia).
Conclusion
Colombias electricity demand is projected to grow
tremendously over the coming years. Expected demand in
2022 is estimated to be 40 per cent higher than the current
demand. Given this scenario, the country will be focusing on
expanding its capacity base and accordingly will have to
develop transmission infrastructure. There is also a
requirement to provide new and innovative mechanisms to
finance renewable energy projects in the country as currently
these projects depend largely on private banks to meet their
debt requirements.
Thus strong political will and private players participation
is required along with partnership with multilateral institutions
to provide the required impetus to the countrys renewable
energy sector along with expanding its transmission network.
In addition to meeting the countrys power demand, this will
help boost its economic growth with increased exports of
renewable energy to neighbouring countries.
Features
Rehabilitating Afghanistans Power Sector

(Contd...)
The government aims to have a self-sufficient power
supply and create an integrated power network in Afghanistan.
Another key goal of the government is to enable its power
sector to supply electricity to the countrys entire population.
At present, only around 30 per cent of Afghan households
have power supply with the electrification rate ranging from
zero in rural areas to almost 100 per cent in urban regions.
Other key priorities of the government include
rehabilitation of power infrastructure damaged by the war
and expansion of installed capacity and the distribution
network; rebuilding the electricity tariff system; improving
sector governance and coordination; and promoting publicprivate partnerships.
The government also has plans to develop renewable
energy such as micro-hydro and solar. In 2012, the government
launched the National Energy Supply Program to accelerate
existing electricity projects; encourage new cost-effective
investments in electricity generation, transmission and
distribution; and increase capacity to manage electrical
production and distribution efficiently.
The state-owned vertically integrated power utility Da
Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) operates and manages
the entire electricity infrastructure in Afghanistan including
generation, imports, and transmission and distribution
activities. The Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) is
responsible for policy and strategy development for the
electricity sector in Afghanistan.
Afghan power sector

At the end of 2012, Afghanistan had an installed capacity of
522 MW, almost equally contributed by hydro and thermal
power plants. Until recently, hydroelectric power was a
dominant source of electricity in Afghanistan. However, in the
last few years, some diesel-based power plants have been
installed with the help of multilateral aid. The country has so
far failed to develop any renewable source of energy. There
are currently no centralised power plants that utilise
renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass or geothermal.
Wind and solar power have the maximum potential for
future development. However, renewable resources are not
expected to play a significant role in power generation in
Afghanistan within the next 20 years.
Afghanistan is estimated to have generated 915 GWh of

electricity in 2012. Despite an increase in the thermal installed
capacity, the power generated by thermal sources has been
consistently falling since 2005. Thermal generation accounts
for barely five per cent of the total generation. A key reason
for this decline is that only one fifth of the installed thermal
capacity is operational. The low available capacity has made
Afghanistan heavily dependent upon imports to meet its
electricity needs. Imports from neighbouring countries have
increased from 432 GWh in 2005 to 3,129 GWh in 2012 and
supplied nearly 75 per cent of the countrys electricity demand.
Afghanistans grid operates through four distinct networks.
The North East Power System (NEPS) consists of a grid linking
17 load centres (Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, etc.) with
Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; the South East Power System (SEPS)
links Kandahar, Helmand etc. with Kajaki; the Herat system
links the Herat zone with Iran; and the Turkmenistan system
links Herat, Aqina, Andkhoi East/West, Shirin, Tagab, Mimana,
Khoja Doko, Sarepul, Shibirghan and Mazar.
At the end of 2012, Afghanistans high voltage grid
comprised 1,884 km of transmission lines across the 110 kV,
220 kV and 500 kV voltage levels. It also has 1,398 MVA of
transformer capacity and 30 substations across the 110 kV,
132 kV and 220 kV voltage levels. The country has been able to
expand and strengthen its high voltage grid with the help of
donor aid. During 2007 and 2012, the country added over 800
km of new lines to its high voltage grid.
Afghanistans grid is linked with Iran, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan via nine cross-border interconnections, of which
seven are at 110 kV and above voltage levels. At present,
Afghanistans electricity system is not synchronised with any
neighbouring systems which, apart from those of Iran and
Turkmenistan, are themselves not synchronised with one other.
This results in operational challenges for Afghanistan, which is
required to split its system into 10 electric islands thereby
increasing costs and reducing reliability of supply.
Power sector rehabilitation

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has prepared a Power
Sector Master Plan for Afghanistan, which identifies priority
projects that need to be implemented to achieve the goal of
providing power supply for the entire country. As per the plan,
USD10.1 billion needs to be invested in the countrys power
sector up to 2032. Of this, it has been proposed that around
USD7.3 billion should be invested in developing Afghanistans
power generation sector.
Table 1: Transmission infrastructure in Afghanistan in 2012

Voltage
Line length (km)
Transformer capacity (MVA)
No. of substations
110 kV
1,127
906
24
132 kV
148
90
220 kV
609
402
1,884
1,398
30
Total
Source: Afghan Energy Information Center; Global Transmission Research

4
Features
Table 2: Existing key cross-border electricity interconnections in Afghanistan
Interconnection
Herat (Afghanistan)Taibat substation (Iran)
Herat (Afghanistan)Torbat-e-Jam substation (Iran)
Zaranj (Afghanistan)Zohak substation (Iran)
Kunduz SS (Afghanistan)Geran substation (Tajikistan)
Kunduz SS (Afghanistan)Sangtuda substation(Tajikistan)
Andkhoy (Afghanistan)Zernow substation (Turkmenistan)
Toragundi and Herat (Afghanistan)Mary substation (Turkmenistan)
Naibabad (Afghanistan)Surkhan substation (Uzbekistan)
Voltage (kV)
132
20
20
110
220
110
110
220
Type
Single
Single
Single
Single
Double
Single
Double
Double
Source: Asian Development Bank
The total peak demand in 2032 is expected to stand at around

3,500 MW and electric consumption at 18,400 GWh (base case
scenario). To meet this demand, 3,163 MW of new capacity is
proposed to be added, of which 1,563 MW will be added through
hydroelectric power plants and 1,600 MW through the thermal
segment. However, new capacity addition will only take place
beyond 2017, with nearly 738.5 MW of generation capacity being
added during the period 201720.
As per the Power Sector Master Plan, the country must
commission several power plants over the next few years to
ensure stability of power supply. These include the 180 MW
Surobi 2 hydro plant, which will be commissioned in 2018, the
40 MW Salma hydro plant to be commissioned at the latest by
2020, and the 100 MW Kajaki hydro plant addition to be
commissioned by 2020. In addition, the 400 MW Sheberghan
combined cycle power plant, which is being developed with
support from the US Agency for International Development
(USAID), is expected to be commissioned at the earliest by
2017. While wind and solar power have the maximum potential
for future development, renewable resources are not expected
to play a significant role in power generation in Afghanistan
over the next 20 years.
Over the next two decades, Afghanistan must focus on
strengthening and expanding its transmission infrastructure.
The grid expansion will help increase access to electricity for
households, strengthen grid capacity to facilitate cross-border
power exchanges and connect new generation facilities.
There are also plans to create a unified national grid, which
will enable Afghanistan to benefit from being an electricity
transit country between energy-rich Central Asia and energypoor South Asia, and be an anchor country of the regional
TurkmenistanUzbekistanTajikistanAfghanistanPakistan
(TUTAP) interconnection concept.
By 2032, there are plans to add around 6,350 km of lines,
10,000 MW of transformer capacity and 94 substations to its
existing grid. As per the master plan, Afghanistan will need to
spend nearly USD3 billion on developing its transmission
infrastructure by 2032.
A key project proposed to be implemented in the country is
the 500 kV Turkmenistan to Afghanistan interconnector. The
line will begin from the 500 kV Atamyrat substation (150 km
from the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan border) and connect to
Sheberghan via Andkhoy in Afghanistan (110 km). Initially, the
line will be operated at the 220 kV level. The plan also entails a
further connection between Sheberghan and Mazar-i-Sharif
(140 km) via a new 220 kV double-circuit line. This system will
enable the transfer of 300 MW of power from Turkmenistan.

During 2015-2020, the project will be further expanded, entailing
the construction of a 500 kV back-to-back convertor station at
Pul-e-Khomri, a 500 kV line from Sheberghan to Pul-e-Khomri,
a 220 kV AndkhoySheberghan line and expansion of the
Andkhoy and Sheberghan substations. This system will enable
the import of 1,000 MW of power from Turkmenistan.
A 500 kV line is also proposed to be constructed across
the Hindu Kush to remove existing capacity constraints, which
prevent Afghanistan from importing a greater amount of
power from Turkmenistan. Under this project, 500 kV
substations at Pul-e-Khomri and Arghandi will be established
along with a 296 km long, 500 kV line between the two
substations. There are also plans to link the SEPS to NEPS to
transfer the power generated or imported in the north to the
south. The project, driven by USAID funding, entails the
construction of a 450 km long, 220 kV line between Arghandi
and Kandahar.
A 500 kV line to connect Pakistans grid with Afghanistan is
also proposed by 2020. The project entails the expansion of
the Arghandi substation and construction of a 210 km long,
500 kV transmission line from Arghandi to the border with
Pakistan via Jalalabad. Besides this, a 132 kV single-circuit
line is also being planned from Iran to Farah in Afghanistan to
enable additional electricity imports from Iran. Afghanistan
is also part of the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity
Transmission and Trade (CASA-1000) project under which a
high voltage direct current (HVDC) connection between
Central Asia and South Asia crossing the Hindu Kush will be
set up to transport surplus power from the power systems of
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan.
Future outlook
The long years of war have severely damaged the energy
sector in Afghanistan. The surviving power infrastructure is
aging and inadequate. Any kind of rebuilding of the economy
will require huge investments in the energy sector, which
serves as the backbone for all industries. However, since the
Government of Afghanistan lacks the required resources and
expertise, foreign aid and private sector participation seem
indispensable in the near future.
Moreover, a strong commitment from the government to
ensure a stable political environment as well as to develop an
appropriate legal framework are needed to improve the
investment climate to facilitate infrastructure development.
Features
Tanzanias Grid Expansion Plans (Contd...)
Table 1: Overview of Tanzanias power sector (as of 2012)

Installed capacity (MW)
1,438
Generation (GWh)
5,230
Consumption (GWh)
3,770
Tanzania had an installed generation capacity of 1,438 MW

as of 2012. Its high voltage transmission network comprised
of 4,270 km of transmission lines of 132 kV and 220 kV voltage
levels in 2012. Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO)
also owns 546 km of 66 kV lines.
Transmission lines (km)
4,270
Transformer capacity (MVA)
2,189
The country has a high voltage transformer capacity of

2,189 MVA and 38 primary grid substations. Tanzania currently
has interconnections with Uganda at the 132 kV level, Zambia
at the 33 kV and 66 kV levels and Kenya at the 33 kV level.
from Iringa via Mtera, Dodoma and Singida to Shinyanga.

The project is intended to supplement and strengthen
electricity supply in the north-western part of Tanzania. This
project is also linked with the planned 400 kV ZambiaKenya
Tanzania interconnection project. The project is estimated to
cost over USD468 million and is being funded by several
multilateral financial institutions. The African Development
Bank (AfDB) has committed to provide USD64.8 million, Koreas
Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) will provide
USD36 million, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will
provide USD134.5 million, the World Banks International
Development Association (IDA) will provide USD150 million
and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will
provide USD64.8 million. TANESCO will contribute USD18
million for the project.
It plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the

total energy mix from the current close to zero level to around
650 MW by 2035.
Tanzanias electricity sector is dominated by the stateowned, vertically integrated utility TANESCO, which owns
around 60 per cent of the countrys generation plants and the
entire transmission and distribution network.
In 1992, the sector was opened up and private participation
was sought. Today, several big independent power producers
(IPPs) exist and contribute the remaining 40 per cent of the
installed capacity. These include Independent Power Tanzania
Limited, Songas, Symbion and Aggreko.
Expansion plans
Tanzania plans to increase its capacity to 3,400 MW by 2017
and further to 8,990 MW by 2035. Of this capacity, 3,304 MW
will be based on hydro, 995 MW on gas, 3,800 MW on coal
while the remaining will be renewable and exports. Some of
the planned power plants are the 150 MW Kinyerezi I, 210 MW
Somanga Fungu, 240 MW Kinyerezi II, 200 MW Kiwira I, 60
MW Solar I, 50 MW Wind I and 50 MW Wind II power plants.
To cater to the upcoming electricity generation capacity,
Tanzania has planned to increase the capacity of its grid as
well as increase access to electricity. TANESCO has devised a
large-scale grid expansion plan to modernise the old and aged
line network as well as to strengthen links with neighbouring
grids. The company is implementing plans to expand the grid
and make additions to the transmission network at the 330 kV
and 400 kV levels. Additions to the existing 220 kV and 132 kV
lines have also been planned.
A total of 6,894 km of 132 kV and above lines will be
constructed during 2014-22. The maximum addition has been
planned at the 220 kV voltage level. Tanzania has planned an
investment outlay of around USD2.6 billion over the period
201220. Of the total planned investment, 73 per cent will go
towards developing transmission lines and the remaining 37
per cent is for developing substations and transformers, and
paying for compensation and distribution system losses
remediation.
Key grid projects

Tanzania has planned six interconnection projects for
implementation during the 201422 period. A key project is the
Backbone Transmission Investment Project, which entails the
construction of the 670 km long, 400 kV transmission line from
Number of substations
38
Source: Global Transmission Research
TANESCO has also planned an interconnection project with

Kenya and Zambia. The 1,560 km line will link the power grids
of Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania (ZKT). The ZKT project entails
the construction of a 700 km long, 400 kV double-circuit
transmission line originating in Serenje in Zambia and ending
at Mbeya in Tanzania (ZambiaTanzania interconnector);
reinforcement of Tanzanias transmission system through the
construction of about 600 km of transmission lines; and
construction of a 260 km long, 400 kV transmission line between
Arusha in Tanzania and Isinya (near Nairobi) in Kenya. The
TanzaniaKenya section is expected to be completed in 2016
while the ZambiaTanzania section is likely to be completed in
2018.
Uganda and Tanzania are planning to construct a 220 kV
line between Masaka (Uganda) and Mwanza (Tanzania). The
line will stretch for about 85 km in Uganda and for about 215
km in Tanzania. The project is scheduled for completion by
2015. Tanzania is also planning a new 220 kV connection with
Mozambique. The project is presently in the initial stages of
discussion.
Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi are planning a 63 MW
hydropower plant project at Rusumo Falls located on the
Tanzanian borders with Rwanda and Burundi. The project will
link the national grids of the three countries through a 220 kV
transmission line by 2018. The transmission project entails the
construction of a 161-km long line to connect Rusumo to Gitega
in Burundi; a 109-km long line to connect Rusumo to Birembo
near Kigali in Rwanda; and a 98-km long line to connect Rusumo
to Nyakanazi in Tanzania. A 220 kV line is also being planned
between Tanzania and Malawi. The line will help transfer power
from a 340 MW hydro plant proposed to be set up at Songwe,
on the TanzaniaMalawi border. This is a longer-term project
and is expected to be completed by 2021.
Features
Among the other transmission line projects being
implemented by Tanzania is the 133 km long, 220 kV Geita
Nyakanazi transmission line slated to be slated to be completed
in 2015. Another is the MorogoroHaleArusha transmission
line project, which aims to strengthen and enhance power
supply to Tanzanias north-eastern grid. Under the project,
TANESCO plans to construct a 640-km long, 400 kV
transmission line from Morogoro to Arusha via Hale.
Tanzania has also formulated plans to develop substations
in the country to add to the transformer capacity. A transformer
capacity of 11,450 MVA is expected to be added during the
period 201220. Of the total, 2,950 MVA is to be added at the
220 kV level and the remaining 8,500 MVA at the 400 kV level.
Also, a total of 25 substations will be developed during the
period 201220 with 14 at the 220 kV level and 11 at the 400 kV
level.
Summing Up
To meet the increasing electricity demand, as well as to
enhance access to and stability of the electricity supply,
Tanzania plans to expand the countrys installed capacity, both
by installing new capacity and by rehabilitating existing power
plants. The country is also working to increase the share of
renewable energy in its total energy mix to reduce its
dependence on hydropower.
To cater to this upcoming generation capacity, Tanzania
has set medium term and long term transmission targets. The
country is also developing several cross-border
interconnection projects. The government has received
financial assistance from several donor agencies for
implementing its power sector plans. These measures are
expected to strengthen Tanzanias power sector significantly.
Table 2: List of key proposed transmission projects in Tanzania

Project
Length (km)
Voltage (kV)
Scheduled/
Expected completion
BulyanhuluGeita transmission line project
100
220
2014
GeitaNyakanazi transmission line
130
220
2014
Backbone Transmission Investment Project
670
400
2015
MorogoroHaleArusha transmission line project
640
400
2015/2016
~1,000
330 kV HVDC
2014/2015
1,150
220
2015/2016
Somangafungu to Kinyerezi transmission line
198
220
2014
Makambako to Songea transmission line
250
132
2015
Nyakanazi to Kigoma transmission line
280
220
2015
Masaka to Mwanza transmission line
250
220
2015
Mkuranga A to Mkuranga B transmission line
10
220
2015
Mlandizi to Zinga transmission line
48
220
2015
Wind project Sinigda
10
220
2016
MtwaraSingida HVDC transmission project

North-West grid extension project
Mtwara power plant
20
220
2016
Kiwira to Mbeya transmission line
100
400
2016
Mbeya to Iringa transmission line
350
400
2016
Dar es Salaam to ChalinzeTangaArusha transmission project
682
400
2016
1,148
220
2017
Dar es SalaamMorogoroDodoma transmission line
451
400
2017
Ngaka to Makambako transmission line
200
400
2017
SomangaLindiMtwara transmission line
154
220
2017
Nyakanazi to Mbeya transmission line
Nyakanaz to Rusumo transmission line
95
220
2018
Kigoma to Sumbawanga transmission line
485
220
2018
Pensulo to Mbeya transmission line
700
330
2018
Mchuchuma to Mufindi transmission line
200
400
2018
Masigira to Makambako transmission line
180
220
2019
Rumakalo to Mbeya transmission line
150
400
2020
Notes: HVDC high voltage direct current

Source: Ministry of Energy and Minerals
News
NORTH AMERICA
NU to invest USD4.3 billion during 201317 on transmission infrastructure
Connecticut-based Northeast Utilities
(NU), which operates New Englands
largest energy delivery system, has
planned to spend USD4.3 billion on
transmission infrastructure improvement
during 2013-17. This is about 15 per cent
higher than its previous years estimates
and equal to the amount spent by the
company during 2002-12.
As per estimates of the company,
the northern part of New England holds
significant renewable energy potential,
which can be utilised to fulfill the rising
power demand of the southern area of
the state. The funds will also be spent
on its Northern Pass Project, which NU
is jointly developing with Canadian
company Hydro-Qubec (HQ).
The project involves construction of
a new participant-funded transmission
interconnection between New England
in the US and Qubec, Canada. The
USD1.4 billion project, also known as the
New EnglandQubec interconnection
project, aims to deliver 1,200 MW of
hydro power from HQs Des Cantons
substation in Quebec, Canada to the
proposed converter terminal at Franklin
in southern New Hampshire, further
extending to the Deerfield substation in
Deerfield, USA. The project is likely to
be completed by 2017.
The US Department of Energy (DoE)
is likely to reveal an alternative route
for the Project before releasing the
draft environment impact assessment
(EIA) study by end of 2014.
In January 2014, the New
Hampshires Congressional delegation
requested DoE to provide details of the
alternative route of the project.
In response to this, the energy
department has sent a letter to the state
congressional
delegation,
while
highlighting that it is under the process of
reviewing the public comments received
from local residents and organisations.
NIPSCO receives approval for USD1

billion power network upgradation
project
Northern Indiana Public Service
Company (NIPSCO) has received
8
approval from the Indiana Office of

Utility Consumer Counselor for its USD1
billion project to strengthen its aging
power transmission and distribution
network in the region over the next 7
years. This includes its Reynolds
Topeka Electric System Improvement
Project. This now allows the company
to start construction works of the project
in Kosciusko County in the next few
months.
The project entails the construction
of a 160 km, 345 kV single-circuit line
starting from the Reynolds substation
in White County, proceeding to the Burr
Oak substation near the town of Burr
Oak in Marshall County, and
terminating at the Hiple substation near
the town of Topeka in LaGrange County
in Indiana. The USD271 million project
is one of the 17 similar projects led by
the Midwest Independent Transmission
System Operator (MISO) across the
Midwest.
The project is scheduled for
completion in 2019.
Ohio Edison to invest USD475 million on

Ohio grid network during 2014
Ohio Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy
Corporation, has planned to invest
about USD475 million in 2014 to upgrade
the power network across 36 counties
of Ohio. This represents about an
increase of USD233 million compared
to the previous years investment plan
of the company for the region.
Major projects scheduled for 2014
include the building of new substations,
starting construction of a new 100 mile
(161 km) transmission line project,
installation of enhanced remote-control
technology in multiple facilities,
inspection and replacement of utility
poles, and continuation of tree-trimming
work.
Of the total USD475 million
infrastructure investment plan for the
region for 2014, more than USD344
million will be spent on power
transmission projects built and owned
by American Transmission Systems
(ATS) Incorporated, a subsidiary of
FirstEnergy.
The planned investment amount will
be spent on:
Initiating the construction of a 100 mile
(161 km), 345 kV transmission line from
FirstEnergys Bruce Mansfield Power

Plant located near Ohio River to the
Cleveland area to enhance system
reliability. It is anticipated that
approximately $128 million will be
invested in this multi-year project in
2014.
Initiating construction of a USD52
million transmission substation in the
Massillon area and a USD38 million
substation in Toronto, Ohio, to help
enhance system reliability.
Continuing construction work on a
138 kV transmission line in the
Springfield area with an investment of
USD34 million in 2014.
Constructing a USD4.8 million
transmission line segment near
Boardman to serve Pennant Midstream
facilities to enhance power supply in the
eastern Ohio shale gas region.
Installation of remote-control
equipment and breaker upgrades at
substations in Portage, Mahoning and
Trumbull counties at a cost of more than
USD1.6 million.
Investing more than USD18.6 million
as part of Ohio Edisons ongoing treetrimming programme to maintain
proper clearances to help reduce treerelated outages in Akron, Alliance,
Ashland, Aurora, Barberton, Bellevue,
Elyria, Girard, Lisbon, Lorain, Mansfield,
Marion, Massillon, Medina, Niles, North
Ridgeville, Ravenna, Sandusky,
Springfield, Twinsburg, Warren and
Youngstown.
Upgradation of major circuits in
Columbiana, Stark and Trumbull
counties at a cost of USD3 million.
Completion of a USD1.2 million
modular substation in Bath Township to
serve additional load growth.
Investing more than USD6.8 million
for inspection and replacement of
distribution poles in the Ohio Edison
service area. This inspection process is
conducted on a 10-year cycle. More
than 59,000 utility poles will be inspected
in 2014, with about 2,000 expected to be
replaced.
JCP&L to spend USD250 million in 2014

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L),
a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, has planned
to spend more than USD250 million to
further expand and strengthen its
News
infrastructure to enhance and maintain
service reliability throughout its 13county service area, in 2014.
Montville and Riverdale substations in

Morris County to support future load
growth.
The funds will be spent on the

completion of transmission line projects
in Monmouth, Ocean and Morris
counties, along with a smart grid project
in Morris County and construction of a
new substation in Hunterdon County.
The company has also planned to
upgrade 118 circuits, add new circuits,
inspect and replace utility poles, and
perform tree trimming work on more
than 3,400 miles (5,474 km) of distribution
and transmission lines.
Planning and designing a new USD19

million, 230 kV line between the
Whippany and Montville substations to
support future load growth and enhance
reliability.
JCP&Ls planned system expenditure

includes:
Upgradation of more than 118
distribution circuits at a cost of nearly
USD6 million in various communities to
enhance service reliability.
Initiating a USD7 million worth smart
grid project of DoE on three circuits
serving Bernards Township, Harding
Township and Morristown.
Replacing underground distribution
cables.
Performing infrared scans on 300
circuits to detect equipment in need of
replacement and replace them.
Performing tree trimming work on
3,400 miles of line.
In addition to this, JCP&L will
continue its Energizing the Future
transmission system enhancement
programme, under which USD150
million will be spent on:
Completing a 115 kV line between the
Englishtown substation in Manalapan
and the Wyckoff substation in
Hightstown. The USD23 million project
also includes the addition of four 115 kV
breakers within the substation.
Completing construction on a new
USD10 million substation in West Amwell
to provide flexibility and enhance
reliability in Hunterdon County and the
Hopewell area of Mercer County.
Installing equipment to upgrade the
Manalapan substation in Monmouth
County, including a new transformer, a
new 230 kV breaker and constructing
two new distribution circuits.
Planning and designing a new USD13.5
million, 34.5 kV line between the
Planning and designing a new USD53

million, 230 kV line between the
Oceanview substation in Neptune and
the Larabee substation in Howell.
FirstEnergy to invest USD210 million in

West Virginia and northwest Ohio
during routine inspections of the

transmission system to enhance
reliability throughout Mon Power s
service area
FirstEnergy has also planned to
invest USD100 million to upgrade power
infrastructure of the service region of
its subsidiary of Toledo Edison in
northwest Ohio in 2014. This represents
about an increase of USD25 million over
its last years investment.
Of the total planned investment
amount, USD59 million will be spent on
transmission projects built and owned
by ATS Incorporated, a FirstEnergy
transmission company.
FirstEnergy has planned to invest about

USD110 million in 2014 on service
reliability infrastructure upgrades in
Mon Power s 34-county service area,
primarily in north-central West Virginia.
This represents about a USD32 million
increase compared to its previous
year s investment.
Some of the projects planned under

this investment plan are:
Projects scheduled for this year

include transmission improvements,
building new distribution lines, replacing
underground cables, inspecting and
replacing equipment including utility
poles and ongoing tree trimming
programmes.
Continuation of the construction

works of a 48 mile (77.28 km)
transmission line project to connect
several substations. During 2014, USD14
million will be spent on the project.
Major investment plans include:

Investing USD36 million to continue
Mon Power s ongoing tree trimming
programme in Beverly, Buckhannon,
Chester, Clarksburg, Elkins, Fairmont,
Huttonsville, Lewisburg, Morgantown,
Wellsburg, Weirton and Weston
Investing more than USD33 million to
support the expansion of Marcellus
shale gas industry
provide electrical service to new
residential and commercial customers
in north-central West Virginia, including
Morgantown, Fairmont, Parkersburg
and Weirton
Initiating the construction of a 345 kV

substation in Middleton Township in
Wood County, scheduled to be
completed in 2015 with an investment
of USD18 million in 2014.
Upgradation of the capacity of existing

substations
by
adding
more
transformers at a cost of more than
USD12 million and replacement or
upgradation of existing equipment with
an investment of more than USD3
million.
Inspection and replacement of utility
poles in Clyde, Fremont, Defiance, Green
Springs, Swanton and Toledo. This
inspection process is conducted on a 10year cycle. Inspections began in January,
with replacement work scheduled to be
performed throughout the year at a cost
of more than USD3 million.
Increasing capacity of the Collins

FerryOsage 138 kV transmission line
at a cost of more than USD5 million to
benefit Mon Power customers in
Monongalia County near Morgantown
Continuation of Toledo Edisons

ongoing tree-trimming programme to
maintain proper clearances and help
harden distribution and transmission
facilities against tree-related storm
damage. Some of the communities
scheduled for work this year include
Defiance, Maumee, Perrysburg,
Rossford, Sylvania, and Toledo.
Inspecting 40,000 distribution poles

and replacing about 250 poles at a cost
of more than USD2 million
West Penn Power plans to invest USD160

million in 2014
Investing about USD1.8 million to

replace electrical equipment identified
West Penn Power, a subsidiary of

FirstEnergy, has planned to invest
News
USD160 million in 2014 on infrastructure
upgrades to enhance service reliability
in its 24-county service area.
Of this, the company will spend
USD23 million on power transmissionrelated projects built and owned by
Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line
Company, a FirstEnergy transmission
affiliate. Scheduled projects include:
Installing a new transformer at a
substation in Armstrong County at a
cost of about USD22 million
Spending more than USD25 million to
trim trees along more than 4,500 miles
(7,245 km) of distribution and
transmission lines as part of West Penn
Powers ongoing programme
Investing more than USD23 million
on various projects to expand the
distribution system throughout West
Penn Powers 24-county service area
Building new transmission switching
facilities in central Pennsylvania to help
enhance transmission reliability and
capacity in the State College and St.
Marys regions at a cost of more than
USD10 million
Investing USD2.1 million to increase
the transmission capacity of the Enon
substation near Ryerson station in
Greene County to help support
electricity demand of the areas coal
mines
Reinforcing breakers at the 500 kV
Yukon substation in Washington County
at a cost of more than USD800,000
Installing additional distribution line
capacity in the Park Hills area of State
College at an investment of nearly
USD600,000
Upgrading the Byerly Crest

distribution substation in the North
Huntington area of Route 30 in
Westmoreland County at a cost of more
than USD300,000
Building a new 2 mile (3.22 km)
distribution line in the Manifold area of
Washington, at a cost of more than
USD360,000
Inspecting about 54,000 utility poles
and replacing or reinforcing about 1,100
poles at a cost of nearly USD4 million
(this inspection process is conducted on
a 12-year cycle in Pennsylvania, and
replacement work is scheduled to be
completed by the end of the fall)
10
Upgrading equipment on 135

distribution circuits throughout the
service territory at a cost of more than
USD600,000
Potomac Edison plans to invest USD143

million in 2014
Potomac Edison, a part of FirstEnergy,
has planned to invest more than
USD143 million in 2014 in transmission
and
distribution
infrastructure
upgrades in its service area. Major
projects scheduled for this year include
transmission enhancements, building
new distribution circuits, replacing
underground cables and making system
enhancements in high-growth areas.
Of the total investment amount,
about USD42 million will be spent on
transmission-related projects built and
owned by Trans-Allegheny Interstate
Line Company, a FirstEnergy
transmission affiliate.
Kay projects of the company
include:
Rebuilding of a 500 kV transmission
line in Frederick County, Maryland, as
part of a joint project with Dominion
Power. Potomac Edison will invest
USD13 million for the project.
trim trees and control vegetation along
2,600 miles (4,186 km) of distribution and
high-voltage transmission lines in
Allegany, Berkeley, Frederick, Garrett
and Washington counties
Continuing improvements at the
Doubs substation in Frederick County
at a cost of more than USD4 million
Installation of new equipment at a
cost of more than USD2.5 million to
increase capacity of the Davis Mill
substation in Montgomery County,
Maryland,
to
accommodate
accelerated power demand in the
Germantown and Clarksburg areas
Installation of new equipment at the
Corning substation in Berkeley County,
West Virginia, to allow for load growth
and help enhance reliability for existing
customers in the Tabler and Inwood
areas
Completing systematic repairs and
replacing equipment on a 138 kV
regional transmission line spanning
Hardy and Mineral counties, West
Virginia, to help enhance regional
reliability
APCO to spend USD130 million on

Virginia and West Virginia networks
Appalachian Power Company (APCO)
is seeking regulatory approval for its
USD130 million worth power network
upgradation project in southern West
Virginia and Southwest Virginia. As per
the company, the regions aging power
network required upgrades to ensure
reliable power supply in the area. Areas
specifically
targeted
for
the
infrastructure upgrade include Tazewell,
Buchanan and McDowell counties.
Under this project, the company is
planning to spend USD50 million in
southwest Virginia to build a new
substation in Buchanan County, improve
three existing substations in Tazewell
County, build 138 kV transmission lines
in Tazewell and Buchanan counties, and
upgrade an existing 69 kV, 8.5 mile (13.68
km) line in Tazewell County also to 138
kV, along with about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of
the line in West Virginia.
In West Virginia, the company plans
to spend about USD80 million to
upgrade transmission infrastructure in
McDowell County. The project scope
includes the retirement and removal of
a 35 mile (56.35 km), 88 kV transmission
line; retirement and removal of two
existing substations; construction of
three new substations; associated
improvements at other existing
substations; and upgradation of an
existing 17 mile (27.37 km), 88 kV line to
the 138 kV level. In addition, the existing
wood H-frame tower structures will also
be replaced with steel H-frame
structures.
Wood H-frame tower structures also
will be replaced with steel H-frame
structures in both states. The steel
structures are taller and sturdier,
according to the company.
Both the projects require approval
from Virginia and West Virginia
regulators, and are scheduled to be
completed by 2017. The company has
also hosted an informational workshop
for the projects on February 24 and 25
in Virginia and on February 27 in West
Virginia.
FPL to upgrade more than 100

transmission lines in 2014
Florida Power & Light (FPL) Company
has planned upgrades of about 100
power lines and other related
News
infrastructure during 2014. This is part
of the companys 2013-15 investment
plan under which it has planned to invest
about USD428 million to upgrade its
power transmission network for major
storms.
Of this, about USD170 million will be
spent on upgrading power lines and
equipment
serving
essential
community facilities including hospitals,
police and fire stations, 911 centres,
water treatment plants, grocery stores,
pharmacies and gas stations. The work
includes strengthening of about 450
miles (724.5 km) of power lines.
During 2014, the company will invest
in:
Replacement of thousands of
distribution utility poles to withstand
hurricane-force wind gusts of 130 mph
or more
Installation of additional smart grid
technology to better detect and address
power outages, and adding improved
lightning protection equipment
Replacement of wood poles with
concrete structures and upgrading
associated hardware
Installation of new flood monitoring
systems at select power substations
that are most susceptible to possible
flooding and storm surge
Penn Power to invest USD71 million in

2014
Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn
Power), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy
Corporation, has planned to spend
about USD71 million in 2014 to improve
the service reliability of its
infrastructure. This is about USD34
million higher than its previous years
investment plan.
Major projects scheduled for this
year include smart meter installations,
circuit and utility pole inspections and
replacements, the addition of protective
devices, and ongoing tree trimming. Of
the total investment amount of USD71
million, about USD37 million will be
invested in for transmission-related
projects built and owned by ATS
Incorporated,
a
FirstEnergy
transmission affiliate.
The scheduled projects include:
Investing about USD14 million on
smart meter installations
Trimming trees along nearly 1,200

circuit miles (1,932 km) at a cost of USD6
million
Sharyland Utilities LP submitted the

Brady area project and West Texas
projects for the Stanton area.
Upgrade of a portion of an existing

138 kV transmission line at a cost of
USD3 million
Transmission projects that remain

under review include: Energy Future
Holdings Corporation subsidiary, Oncor
Electric Delivery Company LLCs West
Texas area project and CenterPoint
Energys proposed Houston region
import capacity project.
Completing a 69 kV line in the New

Castle area at a cost of nearly USD2
million
ERCOT energised USD3.17 billion worth

transmission projects in 2013
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas
Incorporation (ERCOT) had energised
transmission projects worth USD3.17
billion in 2013, along with 848 MW power
generation capacity.
This marked about 8 per cent growth
in the total installed wind energy
generation capacity of the region. With
this, the total installed wind capacity in
the ERCOT region reached 11,255 MW
as of December 31, 2013. The installed
capacity in the northern region stood at
982 MW, in the southern region at 2,775
MW, and in the western region at 7,498
MW.
The grid operator signed three
generation interconnection agreements
in December 2013. These are for EDF
Group subsidiary, EDF Renewable
Energys 161 MW Spinning Spur Wind
III project in Oldham County; Pioneer
Green Energy LLCs planned 300 MW
Green Pastures wind project in Knox
County, Texas; and Pioneer Green
Energys 200 MW planned Logans Gap
Wind 1 project in Comanche County,
Texas.
ERCOT had 51,113 MW of
generation interconnection requests as
of December 31, 2013, as compared to
requests for 50,015 MW as of November
30, 2013. Generation requests for wind
and solar projects rose to 24,266 MW
and 2,849 MW respectively in
December, compared with 22,693 MW
and 1,759 MW respectively in
November. In addition, it also
sanctioned transmission projects worth
USD349.8 million in 2013.
During 2013, CenterPoint Energy
submitted its Katy area project, which
is likely to cost about USD20.4 million;
LCRA
Transmission
Services
Corporation submitted the 138 kV
Leander-Round Rock project, which is
likely to cost about USD50.9 million; and
EDEG approves 11-year tax abatement for

Plains and Eastern Clean Line
The Economic Development Growth
Engine (EDGE) for Memphis & Shelby
County has approved tax abatement of
11 years for Texas-based Plains and
Eastern Clean Line LLC.
An affiliate of Clean Line Energy is
planning to construct a 750 mile (1,207.5
km) high voltage transmission line to
evacuate wind energy from the
Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles to
load centres in the southeast. The USD2
billion Plains and Eastern Clean Line
Project will provide a direct current
transmission line from Texas to
Memphis, Tennessee, and will be
capable of carrying 7,000 MW of
renewable power.
The EIA of the project is likely to be
completed by 2015, following which the
company will start the construction
works of the project in 2016 and is
expected to complete it by 2018.
As per the EDGE Board, the land
which the company is currently planning
to acquire for its transmission project is
likely to yield about USD3,000 annual
tax revenue. This is likely to increase to
USD5 million after the commissioning
of the transmission project.
In separate news, Clean Line
Energy has announced that the request
for information (RFI) issued by the
company for the Plains and Eastern
Clean Line Project has received
overwhelming response from I5 wind
power generating companies in
Oklahoma, southwest Kansas and the
Texas Panhandle. These developers
have rights to over 16,000 MW worth of
wind projects in the region. The RFI was
issued by the company in June 2013.
As per the company, these RFI
results confirm that there are abundant,
high-quality wind resources in the
Oklahoma Panhandle region, which
11
News
require new transmission lines like the
Plains and Eastern Clean Line to
transfer power from mid-south and
southeast regions.
Bill for new approval process for HV line

projects facing opposition submitted in
Iowa
Lawmakers in the Iowa House have
submitted a Bill with Iowa Utilities Board
(IUB) to create an alternative process
of approving those transmission line
projects that are facing opposition from
5 per cent or more landowners in the
lines proposed route. As per the Bill, if 5
per cent of landowners in the lines path
are subject to eminent domain, the
project developer should be required
to propose two alternative routes. This
Bill will affect the progress of the Rock
Island Clean Line project.
The project is being developed by
Rock Island Clean Line LLC, an affiliate
of CLE and includes construction of a
500 mile (805 km), 600 kV high voltage
direct current (HVDC) transmission line
to transfer electricity generated from
wind farms located in northwest Iowa
and the surrounding states, across the
states of Iowa and Illinois, to a point 50
miles (80.5 km) south of Chicago. Here,
it will interconnect with existing
transmission lines that feed power to
markets in the eastern United States.
The proposed transmission line
would deliver wind energy from
northwest Iowa to markets in Illinois,
and points eastward. But it might have
to take land by eminent domain to
secure the long, narrow strip that the
power lines and poles would run
through. Therefore, the local landlords
are opposing the line due to its expected
impact on their properties and local
environment.
The Bill, if approved, will provide
additional authority to landowners to
fight against the development of the
Rock Island Clean Line project.
BLM releases draft EIS of Gateway South

transmission line project
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
has released the draft environmental
impact statement (EIS) of the Gateway
South transmission line project
proposed by Rocky Mountain Power
Company, a part of PacifiCorp.
12
As per the proposed route, the 500

kV transmission line will cross the
southern part of the Uinta Basin. Other
options route the line through the basins
north side and to the south along the
Interstate 70 corridor. This line would
transmit about 1,500 MW power for
more than 400 miles (644 km) from the
planned Aeolus substation in south
central Wyoming to the planned Clover
substation near Mona. The project is a
part of the USD6 billion Energy Gateway
development project of PacifiCorp,
which would add about 2,000 miles (3,220
km) of transmission line for carrying
4,500 MW of electricity through Utah,
Wyoming and Idaho.
As per the proposed route
mentioned in the draft EIS, the line will
run from an existing substation in
southeast Wyoming through a patch of
northwestern Colorado and to central
Utah, to follow existing power lines and
the West-wide Energy Corridor.
The route would largely avoid
prime grouse habitat and sensitive
public landscapes, but it could pass near
the entrance of Dinosaur National
Monument in northwestern Colorado
and south of the Ouray National
Wildlife Refuge in eastern Utah, as well
as along the southern boundary of the
Ashley National Forest in eastern Utah.
As a result, a number of BLM and
Forest Service land-use plans are likely
to be amended before granting rightof-way (RoW) for the line.
In addition to the preferred route,
the draft EIS includes 33 alternatives
routes, which could increase the length
of the line to 540 miles (870 km).
The BLM will seek public comments
of the draft EIS till May 22, 2014. For this,
BLM has scheduled 22 public meetings
in March and April.
BLM plans to begin construction of
the line in 2018 and bring the line into
service by 2020.
ICC approves Illinois

transmission lines project
Rivers
The Illinois Commerce Commission

(ICC) hosted a re-hearing on the Illinois
Rivers transmission lines project of
Ameren Transmission Company of
Illinois (ATXI) on February 20, 2014, and
approved the PanaMt. ZionKansan
Sugar Creek stretch of the line in Illinois.
The commission review on the rehearing was limited to addressing the

need for construction of or expansion
of substations at Ipava, Pana, Mount
Zion, Kansas, Sidney and Rising, and
finding the best route linking Pawnee
and Mt. Zion. The commission also
reviewed an alternative proposal for
sections of the route between
Meredosia and Pawnee, and between
Mount Zion and Kansas.
The project has been proposed by
ATXI and is likely to cost about USD860
million. This entails the construction of
a 345 kV transmission link from Palmyra,
Missouri, to Sugar Creek, Indiana,
crossing the state of Illinois under the
Multi-Value Projects (MVPs) portfolio.
The 330 mile (531 km) long project is part
of the Grand Rivers project, and will start
from a new substation near Palmyra,
Missouri to Sugar Creek, Indiana, thus
crossing the Mississippi River to Quincy,
Meredosia, Pawnee, Pana, Mt. Zion, and
Kansas. As part of the project, nine
substations will be built or expanded in
Illinois and six 345/138 kV transformers
will be installed.
Apart from the PanaMt. Zion
KansanSugar Creek stretch, the line
has four more segments, the 28-mile
SidneyRising stretch in Illinois; and the
41-mile PalmyraQuinceMeredosia
IpavaPawneeb stretch in Illinois and
Missouri, West AdairPalmyra Tap in
Missouri, and PawneePana in Illinois.
ATXI has also hosted two workshops
on March 4, 2014 in Peoria and on March
5, 2014 in Galesburg to discuss the
project with the local residents.
Tres Amigas signs agreement with

Broadview Energy for New Mexico
Express project
Tres Amigas has signed an agreement
with Broadview Energy, which is
developing a wind farm in northern New
Mexico for 25 years, for its New Mexico
Express project. Broadview is the first
company to sign a contract for the
transmission line project, which aims to
lay underground HVDC lines to connect
the New Mexico region with power
markets in Texas and the Southwest
Power Pool (SPP). This will be the
countrys first 2,000 MW underground
HVDC project.
Under the project, Tres Amigas is
planning to build the 360 mile (580 km)
News
project in two phases. Phase I includes
construction of an HVDC line to connect
northwestern New Mexico with the
planned Tres Amigas superstation in the
eastern part of the state. The
superstation will later connect to the
Western and Eastern interconnections
and the Texas grid system. Under Phase
II of the project, a loop will be
constructed in southern New Mexico via
an HVDC Eddy County to Clovis
transmission line.
Though the cost estimates of the
project have not been disclosed by the
company, it is planning to seek financial
assistance from the federal government
due to the high cost of burying the line.
It also plans to set up a public-private
partnership to develop this project.
Broadview is installing 200 GE wind
turbines in the region and is likely to
connect its project with the transmission
line by the end of 2015.
TDI to start construction works of

Champlain Hudson Power project by
end-2014
Transmission Developers Incorporated
(TDI) is expecting to receive all the
federal permits it needs for its USD2.2
billion Champlain Hudson Power
Express Project by July 2014. Following
this, the company will start construction
of the project by the end of this year
and complete it by 2017 or 2018.
The project includes construction of
a 333 mile (536 km), 300 kV HVDC
undersea cable line from Qubec in
Canada to the proposed Astoria
Queens converter station in the
Champlain Valley of New York City in
the US, to help transfer 1,000 MW of
wind and hydropower from southern
Qubec to New York City and Fairfield
County. The Blackstone Group is one of
the leading investors of the project.
The project had received the
approval from New York Public Service
Commission (PSC) in April 2013, but is
still required to obtain permits from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the
U.S. DoE.
Brookings CountyHampton transmission

line project to be completed soon
Construction works of the Brookings
CountyHampton transmission line,
which is a part of the Capx2020 project,
is expected to complete soon. The

Capx2020 project is being developed by
11 transmission owning utilities in
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota,
and Wisconsin.
These utilities are Central
Minnesota Municipal Power Agency,
Dairyland Power Cooperative, Great
River Energy, Minnesota Power,
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Missouri
River Energy Services, Otter Tail Power
Company, Rochester Public Utilities,
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power
Agency, Wisconsin Public Power
Incorporated and Xcel Energy.
The project received approvals
from Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission (PUC) and South Dakota
PUC in 2011. It includes the
construction of a 345 kV, 240 mile (386.4
km) long transmission line, which will
connect a new substation in Brookings
County, South Dakota, to a new
substation in Hampton, Minnesota.
Though a double-circuit (D/C) line
has been constructed under the project,
only the single-circuit (S/C) line will be
energised after its completion.
To utilise the second circuit, a
separate regulatory approval will be
required.
BLM issues RoD for Sun Valley to Morgan

Transmission Line project
The BLM has issued its record of
decision (RoD) for Arizona Public
Services (APS) Sun Valley to Morgan
Transmission Line project.
The project, formerly called the TS5 to TS-9 transmission project, entails
the construction of a 38-mile (61 km),
500/230 kV overhead transmission line
on single-pole structures between the
proposed Sun Valley substation in the
town of Buckeye and the existing
Morgan substation in the city of Peoria.
The project will require a 200-foot
wide RoW or easement on public,
private and trust lands.
As per BLMs RoD, the line will follow
the alignment of State Route (SR) 74,
south of Lake Pleasant to Castle Hot
Springs Road, where it shifts to the
south side of SR 74 and terminates at
the Morgan substation in Peoria. It
proceeds in a southwest direction to the
Buckeye-Surprise area northwest of the
White Tanks Mountains.
South Dakota PUC approves Big Stone

South to Brookings transmission line
project
The South Dakota PUC has granted
approval for the 40 mile (64.4 km) stretch
of the 345 kV Big Stone South to
Brookings transmission line project
being developed by Otter Tail Power
Company and Xcel Energy. The
remaining segment of the project has
already received approval from the
state PUC. The project is a part of
Capx2020, which is being developed by
11 transmission owning utilities in
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota,
and Wisconsin.
These utilities are Central
Minnesota Municipal Power Agency,
Dairyland Power Cooperative, Great
River Energy, Minnesota Power,
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Missouri
River Energy Services, Otter Tail Power
Company, Rochester Public Utilities,
Southern Minnesota Municipal Power
Agency, Wisconsin Public Power
Incorporated and Xcel Energy.
The project includes construction of
a 70 mile (112.7 km) long, 345 kV line
from a new substation near Big Stone
South, to a substation near Brookings
County. It is a part of MISOs multi-value
projects, which aim to alleviate
congestion and achieve mandates for
renewables in the region.
Otter Tail Power is liable to construct
a 28 mile (45.08 km) stretch of the project
from the Big Stone South substation to
an area near Gary, South Dakota. Apart
from this, the company will also
construct two 245 kV lines each with a
length of 1.5 miles (2.42 km) from the
Big Stone plant substation to a new Big
Stone South substation.
I&M to invest USD500 million to upgrade

power network of Northeast Indiana
Indiana Michigan Power Company
(I&M), an operating unit of America
Electric Power (AEP), has planned to
invest about USD500 million to upgrade
the power transmission network of
northeast Indiana under its Powering
Up Northeast Indiana project. The latter
is a part of AEPs regional power
network upgradation efforts.
The company will invest in
rebuilding and improvement of existing
power lines and substations, installation
of new transmission lines, and
13
News
upgradation of transmission and
distribution (T&D) equipment. The
project will strengthen transmission
capability in and around Fort Wayne.
substations; associated improvements

at other existing substations; and
upgradation of an existing 17 mile (27.37
km), 88 kV line to the 138 kV level.
Subject to approval from the state

PSC, construction works of the project
is likely to start in late 2014 to meet the
in-service date of early 2015.
I&M is currently seeking public

feedback on the proposed projects and
is likely to complete the majority of the
project works by the end of 2016.
In addition, the existing wood Hframe tower structures will also be

replaced with steel H-frame structures.
LATIN AMERICA
SDG&E hosts public meeting for USD418

million project in Alpine
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a
subsidiary of Sempra Energy, has
hosted two public meetings in Alpine,
San Diego County, California on
February 5 and 15, 2014 to discuss its
Cleveland National Forest Power Line
Replacement Projects with the local
residents.
The project, which is commonly
referred to as the Master Special Use
Permit (MSUP) and Permit to Construct
(PTC) the Cleveland National Forest
Power Line Replacement Projects, was
developed by SDG&E along with U.S.
Forest Service (USFS).
Under this project, the company has
proposed to replace the existing power
transmission network of the Cleveland
National Forest (CNF) and the
surrounding areas.
The proposed project includes the
replacement of six existing 12 kV lines
and five lines at 69 kV level spread
throughout an approximately 880
square mile area in eastern San Diego
County.
But the USD418 million project is
being criticised by local residents and
local organisations.
Suggestions include planning more
power generation capacity in the region
along with the power transmission lines.
The company is currently holding

public meetings to discuss the project
with local residents. It has hosted a
public meeting on February 27, 2014 in
War.
The company is likely to complete
the project in 2017.
ATC seeks Wisconsin PSC approval for

two transmission line projects
American Transmission Company
(ATC) has filed applications for two of
its projects with Wisconsin PSC.
The first project includes rebuilding
of an existing 69 kV transmission line
between Dyckesville and Sturgeon Bay,
Wisconsin.
The line was built in the 1930s and
needs to be improved to assure electric
reliability in the area.
Under this rebuilding project, ATC
will install H-frame structures along the
25 mile (40.25 km) line to replace the
existing single-pole structures installed
along the line. The project is likely to
cost about USD23 million.
Subject to approval from the
Wisconsin PSC, construction of the line
is likely to start in September 2015 and
become operational by July 2016.
The second project entails rebuilding of a 12.5 mile (20.13 km), 138 kV
transmission line in western Kenosha
County.
Appalachian Power to invest USD80

million in West Virginia
The proposed Paris-Albers re-build

project will run from the Paris substation
in Paris, Wisconsin, to the Albers
substation in Kenosha.
Appalachian Power has planned to

invest about USD80 million in upgrading
its
electricity
transmission
infrastructure in McDowell County,
southern West Virginia.
The project will involve stringing

new wires and replacing aging wood
transmission poles with new wood and
steel poles. No new RoW would be
required for the project.
The project scope includes the

retirement and removal of a 35 mile
(56.35 km), 88 kV transmission line;
retirement and removal of two existing
substations; construction of three new
The company is likely to spend about

USD12.2 million on this project to ensure
safe and reliable transmission
operations of the power line in the
future.
14
Brazilian Eletrobras to spend BRL13.9

billion on Brazilian power sector
expansion in 2014
Brazilian power utility Centrais Eletricas
Brasileiras S.A. (Eletrobras) has
planned to spend BRL13.9 billion in 2014.
Of this, BRL9.64 billion will be spent on
Eletrobras own investments, while the
remainder will be invested in joint
projects with other companies.
The power generation segment will
receive the bulk of the investment
amount of BRL1.6 billion, with about
BRL3.45 billion and BRL2.29 billion spent
on transmission and distribution
segments respectively.
Eletrobras will spend BRL865.8
million on maintenance of existing
generation assets, and BRL613.6 million
and BRL275.3 million on the
maintenance of existing transmission
and distribution assets respectively.
Another BRL774.8 million will be
allocated for research, infrastructure
and environmental projects.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Brazilian government to disburse BRL7.12

billion under Inova Energia Program
The Brazilian government has planned
to disburse BRL7.12 billion under the
federal Inova Energia Program, which
was initiated in April 2013.
The programme foresees funding of
smart grid, ultra-high voltage
transmission, and solar and wind power
generation projects, and electric vehicle
development projects. Of the total
investment amount, BRL1.2 billion will be
provided by Brazilian Financiadora de
Estudos e Projetos or Financing Agency
for Studies and Projects (FINEP), BRL1.2
billion from Banco Nacional de
Desenvolvimento Econmico e Social
(BNDES) or the National Development
Bank of Brazil, and BRL600 million from
the countrys energy regulator Agencia
Nacional de Energia Eletrica (ANEEL).
(BRL1=USD0.42)
News
Cemig to invest BRL527 million for Soccer
Cup in Brazil
State-owned power utilities, Companhia
Energetica de Minas Gerais (Cemig) has
planned to invest about BRL527 million
to upgrade its power system for the 2014
Soccer Cup.
Under this, the company will invest
in upgrading power network of Belo
Horizonte, capital of southeastern
Minas Gerais state. Expansion at the
Jaboticatubas and Santa Luzia 4 power
substations
has
already
been
completed with the addition of 65 MVA
capacity. The company has also
completed the upgrades of four other
substations, and has built 72 km of new
high-tension distribution lines. Cemig
also carried out upgrades of low-tension
networks around the Mineirao stadium
(the main World Cup venue), and plans
to acquire six mobile substations in May
2014.
Of the total investment, BRL161
million is being invested in the
modernisation of Cemigs underground
energy system in Belo Horizonte.
Apart from the BRL527 million
investment in projects related to the
World Cup venue, Cemig is investing
over BRL 241 million in other upgrades
in the metropolitan region of Belo
Horizonte, such as the construction of
Nova Lima 7 and BH Calafate
substations.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Brazilian Copel plans to invest BRL100

million in Curitiba
Brazils state-owned power utility
Companhia Paranaense de Energia
(Copel) plans to invest BRL58.4 million
in adding new transmission lines in the
metropolitan region of Curitiba, state
capital of Parana.
Under this the company will add two
power transformers of 300 MVA
capacity at the Curitiba Norte substation
located at Itaperucu municipality to
connect it with the 138 kV distribution
system of the region. In addition, Copel
will build a 33 km, 230 kV transmission
line to connect the Curitiba Norte and
Bateias substations, while passing
through the municipalities of Campo
Largo, Campo Magro, Almirante
Tamandare, Itaperucu and Rio Branco
do Sul. The projects are likely to be
completed by July 2016 and will

generate annual revenue of about
BRL6.7 million.
The project was awarded to Copels
generation and transmission unit Copel
GT at the Brazilian governments
transmission projects auction held in
December 2013.
The project is part of the companys
larger project worth BRL100 million, to
improve the power network of Curitiba,
which also includes construction of the
Santa Quiteria and Curitiba Leste
substations, new transmission lines and
expansion of existing lines, all to be
carried out in 2014.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Brazilian ANEEL awards concession

contract for Belo Monte transmission
line project
Brazilian energy regulator ANEEL
hosted transmission concession bidding
on February 7, 2014, to award a BRL4
billion transmission project associated
with the BRL19 billion Belo Monte
hydroelectric power plant (HPP).
The 11.2 GW Belo Monte power
complex is located on the Xingu River
in the northern state of Par. For
evacuating power from the HPP, a 2,140
km long, 800 kV HVDC line from the
Xingu substation to the Estreito
substation in Minas Gerais state is being
planned. It also includes construction
of the 500 kV/800 kV Xingu substation
and 800 kV/500 kV Estreito substation.
The line is likely to start operating by
early 2018.
The project has been awarded to the
IE Belo Monte consortium formed by
the companies Furnas Central Electric
SA (Furnas) (24.5 per cent), Centrais
Eltricas do Norte do Brasil S.A
(Eletronorte) (24.5 per cent) and State
Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) (51
per cent).
The consortium bid for BRL434.65
million, representing a discount of about
38 per cent.
ANEEL set the Receita Anual
Permitida (RAP) or annual permitted
revenue limit for the project at BRL701
million for the project.
Construction of the project is likely
to take about 44 to 46 months.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Delay in grid connections to wind farm

projects causing power outages in Brazil
Though the country is facing power
shortage due to reduction in hydro
power generation caused by drought,
about 48 wind farms in the country are
standing idle due to unavailability of grid
connectivity.
Brazilian federal power utility
Companhia Hidro Eletrica do Sao
Francisco (Chesf ), a subsidiary of
Eletrobras, is running behind schedule
in completing transmission projects for
connecting its wind farms to the grid.
These wind farm projects include
Renova Energia SA and CPFL Energias
Renovaveis SA, which have the
capacity to supply power to about 3
million consumers. They are part of the
governments plan to double the share
of energy generated form wind,
biomass and small hydro plants by
2022.
Inspite of facing power shortage,
consumers are required to pay for the
unutilised wind power as per the
minimum purchase guarantee contract
signed by the government with wind
farm developers.
Presently, consumers are paying
about BRL560 million for unutilised wind
power and BRL3 billion for the thermal
power supplied by the government due
to unavailability of additional wind
power.
The countrys energy regulator
ANEEL has fined Chesf BRL12 million
for delaying the commissioning of its
transmission projects.
As per Chesf, delays in completing
these transmission line projects are
mainly attributed to delays in receiving
environmental licenses, property
negotiations and archaeological
findings, and it is likely to appeal against
the fine imposed by ANEEL.
Chesf plans to complete all the
delayed transmission projects by the
end of 2014. Presently, Chesf is working
on about 100 power transmission
projects.
The rising gap between the power
demand and supply in the country is
leading to frequent power outages just
when Brazil is getting ready to host the
FIFA World Cup event. A recent power
outage on February 4, 2014, affected
about 6 million people in 11 states.
15
News
Brazilian ANEEL ratifies result of
December 2013 transmission line
auction
Brazilian energy regulator ANEEL
ratified the result of the transmission
concession auction held on December
13, 2013.
During the auction, five transmission
line projects with cumulative capacity
of 531 km and three substations in the
states of Minas Gerais, Maranhao,
Piaui, Tocantins and Ceara, were
awarded with an average discount rate
of 5.64 per cent.
Construction of the power lines and
substations is required to be completed
in 22 to 36 months after the signing of
the concession agreements.
Brazilian AES Eletropaulo invests BRL300

million to upgrade power network
Brazilian power supplier AES
Eletropaulo, a unit of AES Corporation,
has invested about BRL300 million in 18
power projects to strengthen the
countrys power network for FIFA 2014
Soccer Cup to be held in June and July.
Among the already completed
projects are the power connections of
Complexo Anhanguera Casa Verde,
Complexo Ermelino Matarazzo, Linha
Nordeste V.Olivia, LDA Tiradentes,
Ramal Guainazes, and LTA Piratininga
Bandeirantes/Piratininga Henry Borden/
RAE Lubeca.
During the end of January 2014,
Eletropaulo inaugurated an electricity
installation at the Arena Corinthians
stadium, in Sao Paulo city, southeastern
Brazil, with an investment of BRL12
million. To supply power to the stadium,
two 13.8 kV distribution circuits with total
line length of 12.6 km will be constructed
by March 2014.
Brazilian Eletrosul energises Ijui 2

power substation
Brazil-based power firm Eletrosul
Centrais Eltricas S.A. (Eletrosul) has
energised its Ijui 2 power substation
with an investment of BRL30 million.
The 166 MVA substation is located
in Ijui municipality, in southern Rio
Grande do Sul state. The project is
included in the Brazilian governments
Growth Acceleration Programme
(PAC), which was initiated in 2007.
16
The substation forms part of the

transmission system planned to
evacuate the output of power plants of
power firm Companhia Estadual de
Geracao e Transmissao de Energia
Eletrica (CEEE-GT) located on Jacui
River.
The substation is connected with Rio
Grande do Sul to the Sistema
Interconectado Nacional (SIN) or the
national interconnected system via a
230 kV line to Eletrosuls substation in
Santo Angelo.
Together with the new substations
Caxias 6 and Nova Petropolis 2 and
upgradation of the Lajeado Grande
substation, Eletrosuls new facility will
boost energy supply in the state. These
projects require about BRL110 million
investments.
MME includes transmission projects in

REIDI in Brazil
The Ministry of Mines and Energy
(MME) of Brazil has included the
transmission network upgradation
projects of local power utility Goias
Transmissao,
Companhia
de
Transmisso de Energia Eltrica
Paulista SA (CTEEP) and power firm
Eletrosul in the governments Incentive
Regime for Infrastructure Development
Programme (REIDI).
Goias Transmissaos projects are
located in the central-western region of
Goias state, which is also the concession
are of the Goias Transmissao.
CTEEPs
project
includes
replacement of a connection point in a
TR3 138/13.8 kV transformer and of a
connection module in a 13.8 kV
transformer. These works will be carried
out at CTEEPs Itapeva substation. The
project is scheduled to be completed by
May 31, 2015.
Eletrosuls BRL13.2 million worth
projects include upgradation of a 230 kV
line at the Joinville Norte power
substation in Florianopolis, the capital
of southern Santa Catarina state. The
project has been scheduled to be
completed by February 26, 2015.
The REIDI was launched in 2007 to
provide grants tax incentives to
companies investing in infrastructure
projects in the transportation, ports,
energy, sanitation and irrigation sectors.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Escelsa EDP launches Xuri electricity

substation in Brazil
Brazils Escelsa EDP, EDP Groups power
distributor located in Esprito Santo State,
has begun construction of the Xuri
electricity substation, located in its
concession area in the municipality of
Vitoria, the capital of southeastern
Espirito Santo state. The substation will
have a capacity of 9.2 MVA and will be
remotely controlled by the companys
operations centre in Carapina. The facility
will benefit more than 6,000 residents of
the fast-growing Great Vitoria region. The
value of the investment has not been
announced as yet.
Argentina launches 132 kV EsperanzaEl

Calafate transmission line project
Argentinas government has launched
the 132 kV Esperanza-El Calafate line
that connects the El Calafate area in
the southern province of Santa Cruz, to
the national power grid. Construction
of the line and associated substation is
estimated to cost about ARS378 million.
Argentina is also building a 220 kV
line between Esperanza and Rio Turbio
that will connect a 240 MW thermal plant
to the national grid by the end of 2014. In
addition, the government is expanding
the provincial network of Santa Cruz with
132 kV lines in the northern part of the
province, to the cities of Los Antiguos,
Perito Moreno, Caleta Olivia, San Julian
and Gobernador Gregores, with an
investment of ARS1.275 billion.
(ARS1=USD0.13)
Interchile presents EID for Cardones

Polpaico transmission line project
Interchile, a subsidiary in Chile of
Colombian state-run grid operator
Interconexion Electrica (ISA), has
presented the environmental impact
declaration (EID) for its Cardones
Polpaico transmission line project.
of a 750 km double-circuit, 500 kV
transmission line from the town of
Cardones in the Salta province to
Polpaico in the Santiago region. The line
aims to increase the power transmission
capacity from central to northern Chile.
The project is part of the 2011 Trunk
Transmission System Expansion Plan for
the Sistema Interconectado Central
(SIC) or the Central Interconnected Grid.
News
The USD600-800 million project
forms the first phase of the
interconnection between Chiles SIC
and the Sistema Interconectado del
Norte Grande (SING), or the northern
power grid. The line will be implemented
in three sections.
The CardonesMaitencillo line will
be 132.5 km long and involve an
investment of USD79.32 million.
The MaitencilloPan de Azcar line
will span 209.5 km and be constructed
at a cost of USD130.11 million, and the
Pan de AzcarPolpaico line will run
401.8 km and involve an investment of
USD280 million. All three sections of the
line are scheduled to be commissioned
in 2016.
Chile-based ProInversion to award

AzangaroPuno line project
The Ministry of Energy and Mines of
Peru has allowed the countrys
investment
promotion
agency
ProInversion to prepare a tender and
award construction of the Azangaro
JuliacaPuno transmission line project.
Under the project, a 114 km, 220 kV
transmission line will be constructed
along with the expansion of the Puno,
Juliaca and Azangaro substations and
construction of the Juliaca Nueva and
Azangaro Nueva substations.
The project is a part of Perus new
transmission plan for 2013-22 published
by Perus grid operator Comit de
Operacin Econmica del (COES) for
2013-22 in April 2012, and had received
approval from the ministry in January
2013.
Perus ProInversion selects eight

companies for MoyobambaIquitos
Perus investment promotion agency
ProInversion has selected eight
companies to bid for the construction
of the 220 kV MoyobambaIquitos line
and related substations. These facilities
are expected to cost about USD 434
million.
The bidders are Colombian ISA;
Spanish
Celeo
Concesiones
e
Inversiones, Isolux Ingenieria, and
Cobra Instalaciones Servicios; Abengoa
Peru; Brazils Transmissora Alianca de
Energia Eletrica SA (TAESA) and Alupar
Investimento; and Italys Terna Plus.

of a 613 km, 145 MVA, 220 kV line from the
new Moyobamba substation in San
Martin to a new Iquitos substation in
Loreto via Yurimaguas and Nauta. It also
involves the construction of a 5.2 km long,
60 kV line between the Iquitos Nueva
substation and the existing Iquitos
substation; new 220 kV substations at
Moyobamba and Iquitos; and extension
of the existing Iquitos substation.
ProInversion to prepare tender for 220/

60 kV substation in Lima province
The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru
has directed the countrys investment
promotion agency ProInversion to
prepare a tender for the construction of
a 220/60 kV substation in Lima province.
The substation was proposed by local
power distributor Luz del Sur in August
2012. The project includes the Nueva
Lurin substation, a 220 kV ChilcaSan
Juan power line and associated 60 kV
lines to the existing Lurin and Las
Praderas substations. Nueva Lurin was
included in Perus grid plan for the
period of 2015-2024, with an estimated
schedule for completion in July 2015.
Bolivian ENDE invites bids for IDB-funded

transmission line project
Bolivian power company La Empresa
Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE) has
invited bids for undertaking supply
contracts entailing construction of
tower foundations, installation of steel
structures, stringing of conductors, and
installation of guard cable and optical
ground wire (OPGW) cable. These are
for the construction of a 115 kV
transmission line from the Sucre
substation to the Padilla substation in
two lots. Lot I entails the Sucre
Zudez line (69 km) section and Lot II
involves the ZudezPadilla line (51 km
in single-circuit) line section. The tender
is part of the 115 kV SucrePadilla
Transmission Line project being funded
by the Inter-American Development
Bank (IDB) in two lots.
Bids are due on March 25, 2014.
Honduras approves Electricity Industry

Law
The government of Honduras has
approved the Electricity Industry Law,
which will transform the countrys power
company Empresa Nacional de Energa
Elctrica (ENEE) and will also open the

electricity market to private players. By
July 2015, ENEE will be split into three
separate entities, each one of which will
perform different activities in the power
sector,
including
generation,
distribution and transmission, and
operation of the electricity system.
The new law will provide opportunities
to private sector players to invest in power
transmission and distribution segments
particularly, as the power generation
segment is already open to private
players in the country. The law will also
set up a regulatory framework, and
facilitate the electricity market for higher
energy trade at state-controlled prices.
ASIA PACIFIC
China commissions multi-terminal VSC
HVDC transmission project
China Southern Grid Electric Power
Research Institute (SEPRI) and Norwaybased DNV GL have commissioned a
three-terminal
voltage-sourced
converter (VSC) HVDC transmission
project in China. The project aims to
bring wind power generated on Nanao
Island into the Guangdong power grid
through HVDC connections spanning 32
km. It has designed ratings of 160 kV/
200 MW-100 MW-50 MW, and is based
on multilevel modular converter
technology. The pilot project has been
supported by Chinese Ministry of
Science and Technology.
SichuanTibet grid interconnection

project to be completed in 2015
The SichuanTibet grid interconnection
project is expected to be completed in
2015. The link will connect Qamdo in
Tibet and the Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture of Garze in Sichuan Province,
China. The project entails construction
of 1,561 km of transmission lines. It will
integrate the power grids of Qamdo in
Tibet and Batang in Sichuan with the
Sichuan grid to enhance the power
supply capacity of these grids and ease
power shortages in the regions.
Indias unified grid to become fully

operational by July 2014
Indias central transmission utility
expects to start southern grid
17
News
operations in the second half of 2014.
The utility recently integrated the
southern grid with the National Grid, by
commissioning the 765 kV Raichur
Solapur single-circuit transmission line.
The link is currently undergoing trial
operations
while
Power
Grid
Corporation of India Limited
(POWERGRID) is undertaking studies
to enhance the links stability.
The utility expects to complete the
study by July 2014 and begin operations
in full swing thereafter. Prior to
integration of the southern grid, the
countrys four regional grids northern,
western, eastern, and northeastern,
were functioning in a synchronous mode,
while the southern grid was linked to this
grid through asynchronous connections.
Indias POWERGRID emerges lowest

bidder for HV transmission project
POWERGRID has emerged as the
lowest bidder for the Associated
Transmission System of Unchahar
Thermal Power Station project. The
project includes construction of 400 kV
UnchaharFatehpur double-circuit line,
two 400 kV line bays at Unchahar (which
would be developed by NTPC Limited),
and two 400 kV line bays at Fatehpur.
220 kV pooling substation at Sunda to a

220 kV switching station at Hatkoti in
Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.
The second tender is for the
construction of a 132 kV double-circuit
transmission line on towers from a 33/
132 kV pooling substation at Barsaini to
a 132/220 kV pooling station at Charor
in Kullu district.
The last date for the submission of
both bids is April 9, 2014.
The last date for submission of both

bids is April 10, 2014.
Indian state transmission utility Tamil

Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited
(TANTRANSCO) is seeking contractors
for the construction of two 230 kV
substations.
Vietnamese EVN connects Phu Quoc

Island to national grid
The first tender entails the

establishment of the 230 kV Puraisai airinsulated switchgear (AIS) substation in
Villupuram.
The contract is part of a
transmission project funded by the
Japan International Cooperation
Agency ( JICA) through an Official
Development Assistance (ODA) loan.
The last date for the submission of bids
is April 10, 2014.
The second tender is for the design,
engineering, fabrication, manufacture,
supply,
erection,
testing
and
commissioning of a 230/33 kV gasinsulated switchgear (GIS) substation;
along with two l00 MVA 230/33 kV power
transformers
with
associated
equipment and accessories for the
completion and commissioning of the
substation at TNEB Headquarters in
Chennai North region.
POWERGRID will now take over

UTL and undertake the project on a
build, own, operate and maintain basis.
Bidders have up till April 11, 2014 to

submit their bids.
The state-owned Himachal Pradesh

Power Transmission Corporation
Limited (HPPTCL) has invited
international bids for two transmission
tenders under the Asian Development
Bank (ADB)-funded Himachal Pradesh
Clean Energy Transmission Investment
Program - Tranche 2. One of the tenders
is for the construction of a 220 kV
double-circuit
(twin
moose)
transmission line on towers from a 132/
18
The second tender is for the supply

and installation of equipment for the
extension of 150 kV transformer bays
in two lots. Lot I is for the installation of
equipment in Java-Bali region (at 21
locations) and Lot II is for the installation
of equipment outside the region (at 15
locations).
Indian state utility seeks contractors for

230 kV substations
In October 2012, Indian Ministry of

Power had appointed REC Transmission
Projects Company Limited (RECTPCL),
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rural
Electrification Corporation Limited
(REC), as the bid process coordinator for
the project. Accordingly, in February
2013, RECTPCL formed a special purpose
vehicle named Unchahar Transmission
Limited (UTL), as its wholly-owned
subsidiary Company.
Indian state utility seeks bids for

construction of HV lines
entails supply of 21 transformers of 150

kV for the Java-Bali region and Lot II
entails supply of 16 transformers of 150
kV for outside the region.
Indonesia power utility issues tenders

for IBRD-funded grid project
PT PLN (Persero), Indonesian verticallyintegrated power utility has issued two
tenders under the International Bank
for Reconstruction and Development
(IBRD)-funded
Second
Power
Transmission Development Project. The
tenders are part of the Scattered
Transmission Lines and Substations
Phase II component of the project.
The first tender is for the supply of
150 kV transformers in two lots. Lot I
The state-owned Electricity of

Vietnams (EVN) wholly-owned
subsidiary Southern Power Company
(SPC) has commissioned the 110 kV Ha
TienPhu Quoc submarine power cable
connecting Phu Quoc Island with the
Vietnamese national grid. The 55.8 km
interconnection runs from Thuan Yen
village in Ha Tien town to Phu Quoc
districts Ham Ninh village. It includes
40 MVA, 110/22 kV substations in Ha Tien
and Phu Quoc.
The project has been implemented
as an engineering, procurement and
construction (EPC) contract by Italys
Prysmian PowerLink SRL. The project,
worth VND2.47 trillion, is mostly funded
by the World Bank.
(VND1=USD0.00005)
Malaysian TNB to invest MYR8.5 billion in

transmission grid upgrade
Malaysian state-owned power utility
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) plans to
invest MYR8.48 billion over the next four
years to upgrade its power transmission
network. Of the total investments,
around MYR1 billion will be invested in
transmission development projects in
Nusajaya, Johor.
(MYR1=USD0.3)
Bids invited for construction of 132 kV

underground cable in Malaysia
TNB has invited global bids for the
construction of a 132 kV double-circuit
underground cable from PMU Hicom to
PMU Penaga. The bids can be submitted
till March 19, 2014.
News
Philippines Napocor to bid out Puerto
PrincesaRoxas transmission line
project
Philippines state-owned power utility
National Power Corporation (Napocor)
will issue tenders for the construction
of the remaining portion of the Puerto
PrincesaRoxas transmission line
project in April 2014.
The contractor would complete the
construction of the remaining 5 km
stretch of the 111 km transmission line,
which was hindered in 2007 due to rightof-way issues.
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan,

Kyrgyzstan sign agreement on CASA 1000
Project
The four member countries of the
Central Asia South Asia 1000 (CASA
1000) project, namely Pakistan,
Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan
have signed an agreement.
Under the agreement, Kyrgyzstan
and Tajikistan will provide 700 MW of
electricity to Pakistan via Afghanistan.
Export of electricity is slated to begin in
2016-2017.
CASA 1000 is a transmission project
aimed at transporting surplus energy
from hydroelectric power projects in
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the powerdeficit countries of Pakistan and
Afghanistan.
The key components of the USD1
billion project include a 477 km, 500 kV
AC line from Datka (Kyrgyz Republic)
to Khudjand (Tajikistan); a 1,300 MW AC/
DC convertor station at Sangtuda
(Tajikistan); a 750 km, 500 kV HVDC line
from Sangtuda (Afghanistan) to
Peshawar (Pakistan) via Kabul
(Afghanistan); a 300 MW convertor
station at Kabul; and a 1,300 MW DC/
AC convertor station at Peshawar.
Work on the project is expected to
begin in 2014.
EUROPE
Star Capital threatens to exit ElecLink
project
Star Capital, a UK-based private equity
firm that owns a 51 per cent stake in the
ElecLink power grid interconnection
project between France and the UK, has

threatened to withdraw from the project
in the absence of agreements with the
regulators to make the project
economically viable. The company owns
the interconnection in a joint venture with
Groupe Eurotunnel, the manager of
Channel Tunnel that connects the
European Continent with the UK.
CIP invests DKK2.9 billion in DolWin3

wind farm in Germany
ElecLink will comprise a 75 km HVDC

link between the two 400 kV national
networks. The project will also involve
establishing substations equipped with
500 MW converter stations at the
Eurotunnel sites to change from
alternating current (AC) to DC.
The offshore link will be developed

and operated by the German
transmission system operator TenneT
TSO GmbH. The transmission line will
connect five wind farms in the North
Sea to the mainland high voltage grid
and will have a capacity of 900 MW. The
project includes an 83 km subsea cable
and a 79 km onshore cable running
from the coast to the converter station
Drpen/West in Lower Saxony. The
project is estimated to entail a total
investment of DKK14.2 billion and is
slated to be completed by 2017-end.
On the UK side, the cables will be

linked to the UK transmission system
operator (TSO) National Grids electrical
substation at Sellindge, 14 km from the
Tunnel exit at Folkestone, while the AC
cables in France will be linked to the
French TSO RTEs Les Mandarins
substation, 2.5 km from the Tunnel exit
at Coquelles.
ElecLink has submitted applications
to national energy regulators of the two
countries to exempt it from certain
European regulations.
UKs energy regulator launches tenders

for two wind farm interconnection
projects
The UKs energy regulator, the Office of
Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), has
launched the third Offshore Transmission
Owner (OFTO) tender round, for the
development of transmission links of two
offshore wind farms, Westermost Rough
and Humber Gateway, located at North
Sea off the coast of Yorkshire. The
contractor will undertake construction of
high-voltage
transmission
links
connecting the 210 MW Westermost
Rough and 219 MW Humber Gateway
wind parks off the Yorkshire coast.
The Westermost Rough complex is
owned by WMR Limited, a unit of
Danish state-owned utility Dong Energy
A/S, while the Humber Gateway wind
farm is owned by German utility E.on
SE. The contractor will own and operate
the transmission assets for 20 years.
The tenders are expected to be worth
around GBP400 million.
The two wind farms are slated to be
operational in 2015.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

(CIP) will invest DKK2.9 billion in the
DolWin 3 grid connection, which will
transmit electricity to the mainland
from a number of wind farms in the
German North Sea.
(DKK1=USD0.18)
German TenneT, TransnetBW ready to

begin Sued Link works
Two of Germanys four transmission
grid operators, TenneT and TransnetBW,
are ready to begin implementation of
the Sued Link project, which entails
construction of a 800 km long
transmission line to transport wind power
from the northern state of SchleswigHolstein to southern Germany.
The link would be an extra high
voltage direct current (EHVDC) line to
transport green electricity from
Schleswig-Holstein to the highconsumption states of Bavaria and
Baden-Wuerttemberg. It would consist
of two lines one between Wilster near
Hamburg and Grafenrheinfeld near
Schweinfurt, and another between
Brunsbttel and Grogartach in BadenWrttemberg.
The project is expected to be
completed by 2022.
Siemens commissions 420 kV

environment-friendly substation in
Germany
Siemens has commissioned the 420 kV
Bruchsal-Kndelweg substation in
Germany. The environment-friendly
substation houses a power transformer
that insulates and cools using vegetable
oil. The substation is owned by
19
News
TransnetBW. The power transformer did
not require issue of water hazard
classification. Thus, such transformers
can be installed in water conservation
areas
or
regions
subject
to
environmental protection concerns.
Spanish Iberdrola completes wind

power transmission demo project
Spanish power utility Iberdrola has
completed aresearch project aimed at
development of power-frequency and
voltage control systems to improve the
efficiency of transmission links
connecting wind farms with the
electricity grid.
Iberdrola undertook the Syserwind
demo project over two years, in
collaboration with Gamesa, Red Electrica
de Espana (REE) and the Institute for
Technological Research at the University
of Comillas. The project was carried out
at Iberdrolas fifteen wind farms located
in Andalusia having a combined capacity
of over 480 MW. These wind farms are
connected to three nodes in REEs 400
kV transmission grid, and have been
equipped with systems that coordinate
the quantum of power generated by
these farms with the voltage in the grid.
Norwegian Statnett to invest NOK1 billion

in grid upgrade
Norwegian state-owned grid operator
Statnett plans to invest NOK1 billion in
upgradation of the power transmission
network of the countrys central region.
Under the project, the company will
upgrade 300 kV to 420 kV transmission
facilities.
(NOK1=USD1.66)
Montenegro TSO to invest EUR20 million

in ItalyMontenegro link in 2014
Montenegrin
TSO
Crnogorski
Elektroprenosni Sistem (CGES) plans to
invest EUR20 million in the construction
of a subsea power link to Italy in 2014.
The investment will be 20 per cent of the
total EUR100 million that the utility plans
to invest in the interconnection project.
The project is being jointly implemented
with its Italian counterpart Terna. CGES
will source the funds through loans from
the German development bank KfW
Bankengruppe (KfW) and the European
Bank
for
Reconstruction
and
Development (EBRD).
20
The interconnection will be the first

1,000 MW (2x500 MW bipolar) electricity
bridge between Italy and the Balkan
region. It involves construction of a 415
km long, 500 kV HVDC cable running
between Cepaggati in Italy and Kotor
in Montenegro, and comprises 390 km
of submarine cable and 25 km of land
cable (10 km in Montenegro and 15 km
in Italy). The project also includes
construction of the AC/DC convertor
stations at Cepaggati and Kotor, and 400
kV cables connecting the proposed 400
kV Vellanova substation with the
Cepaggati convertor station in Italy and
the Kotor convertor station with the
proposed 400 kV Tivat substation in
Montenegro.
(EUR1=USD1.38)
EstoniaFinland transmission link

commissioned
Finlands TSO Fingrid and its Estonian
counterpart Elering have commissioned
the cross-border link between the two
countries. Estlink 2 is a monopole linecommutated converter (LCC) 450 kV
interconnection between Puessi,
Estonia and Anttila, Finland with a
transmission capacity of 650 MW.
The HVDC project is being jointly
developed by the Finnish and Estonian
TSOs, Fingrid and Elering respectively.
The projects length spans approximately
170 km, including 14 km of overhead line,
145 km of submarine cable and 12 km of
underground cable. Estlink 2 will boost the
power transmission capacity between the
two countries to 1,000 MW. Presently, the
two countries are interlinked via Estlink 1,
a 350 MW subsea connection. The project
has been implemented by Siemens under
a turnkey contract which included
delivering, installing and commissioning
of the converter stations, excluding the
overhead line and cable between the
stations.
Lithuanian TSO to set up subsidiary to

manage cross-border links
Lithuanias electricity TSO Litgrid has
decided to set up a wholly-owned
subsidiary company, named Tinklo
Prieziuros
Centras
(Network
Maintenance Center), to manage
electricity flows through the countrys
planned power interconnections with
Poland and Sweden, and operating costs.
Lithuania is currently developing a 700
MW interconnection named NordBalt

to Sweden, which is expected to be
completed by December 2015, and a 500
MW interconnection named LitPol Link
to Poland which is to be completed by
2015.
Bids invited for rehabilitation of HV

equipment in Moldova
Moldovas power TSO, Moldelectrica has
invited prequalification bids from global
contractors for rehabilitation of 10 units
of 110/35/10 kV power transformer
substations and reactor foundations for
400 kV reactor substations. Bids have
been invited under the EBRD-funded
Transmission Network Rehabilitation
Project, which has also received a
parallel loan from the European
Investment Bank (EIB) and grant
funding from the EU Neighbourhood
Investment Facility (NIF).
The last date for the submission of
bids is March 18, 2014.
Bulgaria completes unbundling of NEK,

ESO
Bulgaria has completed the split-up of
state-owned electricity company
Natsionalna Elektricheska Kompania
EAD (NEK) and Electricity System
Operator (ESO).
NEK
has
transferred
its
transmission assets to ESO, including
295 substations and an electricity
transmission network spanning 14,732
km. The unbundling of the two
companies has been undertaken under
the European Unions (EU) Third Energy
Liberalisation Package, which entails
separation of electricity transmission
operations from power generation and
distribution operations.
In June 2013, state-owned Bulgarian
Energy Holding EAD (BEH) agreed to
acquire ESO from NEK. Earlier, ESO
was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
latter, which is part of the BEH. Recently,
the Bulgarian energy regulator State
Energy and Water Regulatory
Commission (SEWRC) had approved
the split-up.
AlbaniaMacedonia interconnection
agreement likely to be signed in 2014
Albania and Macedonia are likely to sign
an agreement in 2014 on construction
News
of a high voltage transmission
interconnection between the two
countries.
Albania is presently working to
secure funding for the transmission line.
EBRD considers EUR28 million loan for

Kosovan grid upgrade
The EBRD is considering providing a
loan of up to EUR28 million to Kosovo
Transmission System and Market
Operator (KOSTT) for the upgradation
of 110 kV substations and transformers.
The project is in line with the N-1
contingency requirement of the
European Network of Transmission
System Operators for Electricity
(ENTSO-E), which requires the
transmission system to function
normally despite the loss of one major
component such as a transformer.
The project is estimated to entail a
total investment of EUR36 million.
(EUR1=USD1.38)
Construction of Belarus NPP grid

connection to begin in Q2 2014
North China Power Engineering
Company (NCPE) plans to begin the
construction
of
transmission
infrastructure to connect the Belarus
nuclear power plant (NPP) in the second
quarter of 2014. NCPE is the main
contractor for the grid connection
project.
Under the project, the company
plans to build over 1,000 km of 330 kV
overhead transmission lines in Minsk,
Grodno, and Vitebsk Oblasts.
Another 600 km of high voltage
power lines will be reconstructed and
890 km of fibre optic cables will be laid.
The project also entails building a
new 330 kV transformer substation at
Postavy, Vitebsk Oblast; reconstruction
of four 330 kV substations in Ross and
Smorgon, Grodno Oblast; reconstruction
of a 220 kV substation in Stolbtsy, Minsk
Oblast; and a 330 kV open-type-bus-andswitch arrangement at a cogeneration
plant.
The project is expected to entail an
investment of over USD340 million and
is being financed by Export-Import Bank
of China. It is expected to be completed
in 5 years.
MIDDLE EAST AND

AFRICA
Dubais DEWA commissions 132 kV
substation
The state-owned Dubai Electricity and
Water Authority (DEWA) has
commissioned a 132/11 kV, 150 MVA
substation at Dubai Airport Free Zone
(DAFZ). The project entailed an
investment of AED118 million, of which
AED86 million was used to construct the
substation and AED32 million was used
for extending the cables that link the
substation by 6.9 km.
(AED1=USD0.27)
Dubais DEWA begins work on 400 kV

substation
DEWA has begun construction work on
a 400 kV substation at Seih Al Dahl, to
connect the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Solar Parks second project to
the grid. The second project will have a
capacity of 100 MW, while the Solar
Park will have a total capacity of 1,000
MW. The substation is slated to be
completed by 2017.
Bids invited for supply of 132 kV cables in

UAE
DEWA has invited international bids for
the supply, installation, testing and
commissioning of 132 kV cable-laying
works for five 132/11 kV substations and
carrying out associated works.
Interested parties can submit their bids
till March 18, 2014.
Kuwaiti CTC has invited bids for 132/11 kV

substations and lines
Kuwaiti Central Tenders Committee
(CTC) has invited international bids
for the construction of three new 132/11
kV main transformer stations and
associated high-tension overhead lines
at Al-Ratqa, Sabriya and Roudatain. The
last date for the submission of bids is
May 20, 2014.
Bids invited for construction of 226/60

kV substation in Morocco
Moroccos power and water company
Office National de lElectricite et De
lEau Potable (ONEE) has invited
international bids for the construction

and commissioning of the 225/60 kV JBEL
Moussa substation, and connection of
associated 225 kV and 60 kV lines under
the African Development Bank (AfDB)funded Projet De Dveloppement Du
Rseau De Transport Et De Rpartition
De Llectricit. The last date for the
submission of bids is April 16, 2014.
Nigerian energy sector requires NGN 144

trillion investment
The Nigerian government has an
estimated investment requirement of
around NGN144 trillion for the countrys
energy sector between 2014 and 2045.
The transmission segment alone
requires an annual investment of
USD1.5 billion between 2014 and 2018.
The government is expecting majority
of this investment to be injected by the
private sector. The federal government
has also decided to set up a Power
Sector Investment Fund to provide
necessary
investment
for
the
development of the energy sector. An
initial deposit of NGN300 billion will be
made to the Fund.
(NGN1=USD0.006)
Nigeria to construct two substations in

Ebonyi
The Nigerian government has planned
to develop two substations in Abakaliki,
the capital of Ebonyi. One of the
substations will be a 2x150 MVA, 330/
132 kV substation, while the other will
be a 2x60 MVA, 132/33 kV substation.
South African Eskom to commission 765

kV Gamma substation soon
South Africas Eskom Holdings SOC
Limited (Eskom) is expected to
commission the 765/400 kV Gamma
substation by mid-February 2014.
Presently, the company is undertaking
pre-commissioning activities. The
substation is a part of the Cape Corridor
Strengthening Project Phase 2. Works
under this phase include construction of
the first 765 kV GammaKappa line (560
km long); 765/400 kV Kappa substation;
extension of Gamma and 400 kV Kappa
substations; development of Kappa 400
kV loop-ins; construction of the first 765
kV KappaSterrekus (Omega) line and
the 765/400 kV Sterrekus (Omega)
substation; and development of the 400
kV Sterrekus (Omega) loop-in.
21
TSO Focus
Israel Electric Corporation

The emphasis on generation and the strained
New generation drives grid expansion plans
financial position have together contributed
sraels electricity sector was partially liberalised in 1996,

allowing private developers to enter the generation
segment. However, majority of the generation plants are still
owned by the state-owned vertically integrated Israel Electric
Corporation (IEC). Efforts to restructure the countrys power
sector are currently underway.
to a fall in investment commitments in power

transmission over the years. This will have to
change, not only to ensure the overall
stability and reliability of the grid, but also to
ensure the commercial viability of upcoming
The government recently passed a law that is expected to

convert IEC into a holding company with independent
subsidiaries. Subsequently, the government also intends to
reduce its shareholding in IEC.
plans for upcomig capacities materialise.
The policy efforts are driven by growing concerns about

the government-owned entitys ability to meet the rising power
demand.
IECs existing transmission network comprises an

estimated line length of over 5,340 km and transformation
capacity of over 29,600 MVA.
Over the period 200512, electricity consumption in Israel

has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7
per cent. In 2012, electricity consumption was about 57,085
GWh, about 7.6 per cent higher than the energy demand of
53,062 GWh in 2011.
The transmission network operates at voltages of 115 kV,

161 kV and 400 kV. Majority of the existing line length is at the
161 kV voltage level.energy policy formulation in Israel.
IEC is the sole transmission and distribution company in

Israel. In addition to the state of Israel, IEC is also responsible
for power transmission to East Jerusalem, the West Bank and
Gaza. Its tariffs are set by the regulator, the Public Utility
Authority (PUA).
The Ministry of National Infrastructure is responsible for
energy policy formulation in Israel. IEC owns over 98 per cent
of the countrys power generation capacity and is a monopoly
operator of the transmission system.
Focus on power generation has been high. IEC has meet
the governments emergency plan target of adding 1,750 MW.
The emphasis on generation has also meant that augmenting
power transmission capacity was accorded a relatively lower
priority.
Increasingly, there is a realisation that the relatively
Increasingly, there is a realisation that the transmission
network must be augmented and upgraded to ensure that
Table 1: Transmission line length (km)

Voltage
2009
2010
2011
2012
115 kV
124
124
115
115
161 kV
4,268
4,378
4,396
4,486
400 kV
736
737
737
737
5,128
5,239
5,248
5,338
Total
Source: Israel Electric Corporation
22
projects being planned across the country.
IEC owns over 98 per cent of the countrys power

generation capacity and is a monopoly operator of the
transmission system.
Focus on power generation has been high. IEC has ramped
up its generation capacity by about 15 per cent in the last five
years and is in the process of expanding capacities to meet
the governments emergency plan target of adding 1,750 MW.
The emphasis on generation has also meant that
augmenting power transmission capacity was accorded a
relatively lower priority.
Unlike most countries in the region, Israel has no
interconnector lines with its neighbours. As a result, the country
has invested in several peaking power plants.
Electricity produced by IEC or procured from the
independent power producers is transmitted through the IECs
transmission grid.
The increase in transmission capacity has not been
commensurate with the growth achieved in the generation
segment.
While the length of transmission lines at the 161 kV level
has increased by only 5 per cent over the last five years, no
line at the 400 kV level has been added. In addition, there
have been no upgrades or replacements in the 115 kV lines,
which has resulted in frequent breakdowns and an unreliable
power supply.
Between 2005 and 2012, transformer capacity has increased
at a CAGR of 2.2 per cent. In recent years, IECs network saw
the deployment of portable substationsan interim measure
adopted to cater to the needs of the network till permanent
expansion works are executed.
Growth in power generation capacity, especially with the
entry of private players, is driving the need to upgrade and
expand the transmission network.
Technology adoption is expected to play a key role in this
TSO Focus
Table 2: Transformer capacity (MVA)
Voltage
2009
2010
2011E
2012E
115 kV
294
294
294
294
161 kV
16,721
16,951
17,106
19,158
400 kV
10,000
10,150
10,150
10,150
Total
27,015
27,395
27,550
29,602
Source: Israel Electric Corporation
regard. IEC has initiated the process of adopting ACSS wires

with the thermal ability to increase the power transfer capacity
of existing lines, thus obviating the need for constructing new
lines.
Also, underground lines and cables are being looked at for
ensuring greater reliability in the network. Further, IEC is
considering the adoption of smart grid technologies in its
operations to enable greater control over managing system
reliability especially with the planned introduction of renewable
energy sources in grid power despatch.
IEC has also initiated steps to reduce the cost of
constructing substations by building outdoor substations,
where the switching equipment and transformers are located
in the premises of the stations instead of being enclosed in a
building. At the same time, there are other areas such as
underground lines that tend to result in higher costs.
The pressure of rising costs has been particularly high in
the generation segment of IECs business. Rising fuel costs
have led to a financial crunch in the utilitys operations. A
shortage in natural gas during 2011 and 2012 led to the purchase
of more expensive fuels, resulting in an overall escalation of
costs. As per IECs estimates, costs increased from NIS9 billion
in 2010 to NIS24 billion in 2012 on account of higher fuel costs.
Tariffs do not reflect the increase in costs. In May 2013, the
PUA approved a 5.5 per cent hike in average tariffs. However,
this tariff increase does not fully reflect the entire escalation
in costs due to fuel.
To minimise tariff hikes, the government has undertaken
other measures such as state guarantees of domestic bond
issuances, tax relief in terms of temporary reduction in excise
rate and value added tax payments, postponing the required
deposits of funds in the dedicated account for funding the
emergency plan, and allowing the company to increase its
use of backup fuels such as fuel oil and diesel in gas-based
generation units.
Future plan
IECs long-term development plans entail expansion in
generation, transmission and distribution to cater to future
energy requirements. An additional 1,890 MW of generation
capacity is planned by 2019.
In power transmission, the development plan emphasises
the construction of high voltage lines. About 655 km of 400 kV
lines are planned to be added between 2014 and 2017. At the

161 kV level, the expected line length addition is 625 km. Further,
over 1,200 km of transmission lines will be upgraded or
relocated and about 87 km of underground cable circuits are
planned to be added by 2017.
In addition, 7,037 MVA of transformer capacity and 21
substations will be added during this period. During 2013, 661
MVA of transformer capacity was estimated to have been
added to Israels high voltage grid.
A key project associated with the development of the 400
kV transformation system is the construction of the Ayalon
switching station in 2015 with three connections.
Upcoming renewable energy projects in the country
require timely provision of grid connectivity. In this regard,
the company has been developing plans to construct
transmission lines connecting the renewable energy projects
in southern Israel.
A proposed 400 kV transmission line, which splits into two
161 kV lines at a specific point, will carry the power generated
at the upcoming 250 MW solar power capacity at Ashalim.
There are several other solar power projects planned in the
region, for which transmission lines are yet to be finalised.
For now, IEC is focusing on completing the construction of
a new 161 kV transmission line connecting Eliat and southern
Arava to the transmission grid.
Only after this project is completed will the company be
able to focus on developing transmission connectivity for other
upcoming renewable energy projects.
In terms of capital expenditure, between 2014 and 2017, an
investment of about NIS8,030 million will be required to execute
the development plan. As per recent estimates, the companys
average annual investment could be in the range of NIS4.9
billion annually between 2014 and 2016.
IECs development plans are funded through net cash flows
generated from operating activities and by financings.
Capacity addition is not the only factor driving IECs financing
activities. To tide over the liquidity crunch, IEC has had to
raise debt worth NIS10.1 billion, primarily to refinance its debt
maturing during 2013. As such, IECs cash flows are expected
to remain under pressure.
This is because even though future tariff increases will
recover the operation costs, the time gap between tariff
approvals and actual expenditure could result in a prolonged
period of weak cash flows.
The emphasis on generation and the strained financial
position have together contributed to a fall in investment
commitments in power transmission over the years.
This will have to change, not only to ensure the overall
stability and reliability of the grid, but also to ensure the
commercial viability of upcoming projects being planned
across the country.
IECs development plan for the next three years includes
developing higher voltage transmission assets as well as
refurbishing existing transmission assets. This should be
effectively implemented to ensure that the countrys energy
sector is able to meet the growing demand.
23
Policy Review
Europes Energy and Climate Change Goals

EC announces policy framework for 2030
ecently in January 2014, the European Commission (EC)

announced the new climate and energy targets for 2030,
which will further the progress towards establishing a lowcarbon economy and a competitive and secure energy
system that ensures affordable energy for consumers,
increases the security of energy supplies, reduces
dependence on energy imports and creates new opportunities
for growth and jobs. This announcement follows the
Commissions March 2013 Green Paper, which launched a
broad public consultation on the most appropriate range and
structure of climate and energy targets for 2030. Specifically,
the 2030 goals include a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions by 40 per cent below the 1990 level, a European
Union (EU)-wide binding target for share of renewable energy
consumed to be at least 27 per cent, increased focus on energy
efficiency policies, a new governance system and a set of new
indicators to monitor achievement of targets. The European
Council will review this new 2030 framework at its upcoming
spring meeting in March 2014.
The EUs climate and energy objective entails reducing its
GHG emissions by 80-95 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050. To
this end, it has set its 2020 targets to reduce GHG emissions by
20 per cent below 1990 levels, increase renewable energy to
20 per cent, and achieve energy savings of 20 per cent. The
new framework constitutes the next step towards reaching
the 2050 goal. More importantly, the impact of the economic
and financial crisis needs to be taken into account. The current
economic crisis has affected the capacity of the EUs Member
States to invest. Fossil fuel prices remain high, which is
negatively affecting EUs trade balance and energy costs.
The EUs Emissions Trading System (ETS) is not sufficiently
driving investments in low-carbon technologies. At the same
time, the energy system also requires significant investment
to replace aging infrastructure. For this, investors urgently
need a clear policy framework that provides predictability and
reduced regulatory risk beyond 2020. This will also stimulate
research and development in efficient low-carbon
technologies. In addition, the EU needs to decide what GHG
reduction target it is going to contribute to the global climate
agreement that is to be adopted at the end of 2015.
The key elements of the 2030 policy framework set out by
the Commission include the following:
Binding GHG emission reduction target: The centrepiece of
the new 2030 energy and climate policy is the GHG emission
reduction target for domestic EU emissions of 40 per cent by
2030 (relative to emissions in 1990). This target will be shared
between the ETS sector and what the Member States must
achieve collectively in the sectors outside of the ETS. The ETS
sector will have to deliver a reduction of 43 per cent in GHG
emissions by 2030 and the non-ETS sector will have to deliver
a reduction of 30 per cent, both compared to 2005 levels. To
achieve the ETS sector target, the annual factor by which the
cap on the maximum permitted emissions within the ETS
decreases will have to be increased from the current 1.74 per
cent to 2.2 per cent after 2020. The effort to achieve non-ETS
sector targets will be shared equally by the Member States.
24
EU-wide binding renewable energy target: The transition

towards a competitive, secure and sustainable energy system
is impossible without an increased role of renewable energy.
The new framework specifies an EU-wide binding target for
share of renewable energy consumed to be at least 27 per
cent by 2030. An EU-wide target is necessary to drive continued
investments in the sector. While binding on the EU, this target
will not be binding on the Member States individually via EU
legislation, thus providing the latter with the flexibility to meet
their GHG reduction targets in the most cost-effective manner
in accordance with their specific circumstances, energy mixes
and capacities to produce renewable energy.
Energy efficiency: Improved energy efficiency contributes
to all objectives of the EU energy policy and a transition towards
a competitive, secure and sustainable energy system is not
possible without it. The role of energy efficiency in the 2030
framework will be further considered in a review of the Energy
Efficiency Directive, which is due to be completed later in 2014.
The Commission will then consider the need for amendments
to the directive. The review will also consider whether energy
intensity improvements, or absolute energy savings or a
hybrid of the two represents a better benchmark upon which
to frame a 2030 objective. Member States national energy
plans will also have to cover energy efficiency as the GHG
emissions reduction target of 40 per cent will require an
increase of approximately 25 per cent in energy savings by
2030. In some sectors, such as industry and passenger vehicles,
the improvements observed in recent years will have to
continue, while in sectors such as housing, other transport
modes, and electrical equipment, current efforts will need to
be significantly accelerated. The EU needs to continue to
complement national efforts with ambitious EU-wide energy
efficiency standards for appliances, equipment, buildings and
CO2 standards for vehicles.
Reform of EU ETS: The Commission has also proposed to
establish a market stability reserve at the beginning of the next
ETS trading period in 2021. The reserve will address both the
surplus of emission allowances that has built up in recent years
and improve the systems ability to withstand major shocks by
automatically adjusting the supply of allowances to be auctioned.
Under the proposed legislation, the reserve will operate entirely
according to pre-defined rules, which will leave no discretion to
the Commission or Member States in its implementation.
New governance system: The Commission recognises the
need to simplify and streamline the current separate processes
for reporting on renewable energy, energy efficiency and GHG
reduction for the period after 2020, and to have a consolidated
governance process with Member States. The aim is to prepare
national plans under a common approach, which will ensure
stronger investor certainty and greater transparency, and will
enhance coherence, EU coordination and surveillance. An
iterative process between the Commission and Member States
will ensure the plans are sufficiently ambitious, as well as their
consistency and compliance over time. Further, the Commission
is of the view that an increased share of renewable energy and
a more efficient energy system are not enough to ensure
sufficient progress towards the 2030 goals. Systematic
monitoring with key indicators is needed to assess the progress
over time and to inform any future policy intervention. These
indicators include energy price differentials between the EU
and major trading partners, diversification of energy imports
Policy Review
and the share of indigenous energy sources used in energy
consumption, and deployment of smart grids and
interconnections between Member States.
Key complementary policies: Increased research and
development efforts and commercial demonstration of Carbon
Capture and Storage (CCS) are essential over the next decade
so that it can be deployed in the 2030 timeframe. In the power
sector, CCS could be a key technology for fossil fuel-based
generation that can provide both base-load and balancing
capacity in an electricity system with increasing shares of
variable renewable energy. In the transport sector, further
emission reductions require a gradual transformation of the
entire transport system towards better integration among
modes, greater exploitation of the non-road alternatives,
improved management of traffic flows, and extensive innovation
in and deployment of new propulsion and navigation
technologies and alternative fuels. The EU will also have to
step up its efforts in research and innovation policy to support
the post-2020 climate and energy framework. Particular
emphasis should be laid on accelerating cost reductions and
market uptake of low carbon technologies. There should also
be greater focus on the structuring and deployment of new
financial instruments that will be necessary for the period after
2020 to tackle climate and energy related issues.
Conclusion
Endorsement of the Commissions 2030 framework by the
European Council and the European Parliament is the next
step. The Commission has also invited the two legislative
bodies to confirm that the EU should pledge a 2030 GHG
reduction target of 40 per cent in early 2015 as part of the
international negotiations on a new global climate agreement.
Such action will allow the EU to contribute constructively
to the international negotiations and increase predictability
for investors by creating greater clarity about the required
level and type of efforts needed after 2020.
Before 2021, the 2030 GHG reduction target will need to be
translated into national GHG targets for the non-ETS sectors
and Member States will need to draw up their national plans
for the period up to 2030.
Overall, the new framework builds on the existing climate
and energy package targets for 2020 as well as on the
Commissions 2050 roadmaps for energy and for a competitive
low-carbon economy. The aim remains to reduce dependence
on imported fossil fuels, make the EU more energy efficient/
less carbon intensive, increase investments, and develop new
sectors, technologies and jobs.

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on the global electricity transmission industry.
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provide the latest data and statistics. It will also feature the views and perspectives of top industry experts and players.
Our service package consists of three elements Global Transmission Report (a monthly newsletter), Global Transmission Weekly
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Spotlight: A detailed look at a specific topic or area of

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25
Spotlight
Transmission Investment in ASEAN

Economic growth and power access drive spending
s power sector investments loose momentum in Asias

economic giants like India and China, the focus is shifting
to the Southeast Asian countries. Power utilities in ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries have
launched plans to add record capacity in the coming decade
not only to service the expected increase in the regional power
demand but also to compensate for years of underinvestment
in the sector. With nearly 128 GW of generation capacity in
various stages of construction and development in the region,
unprecedented expansion is expected in the power transmission
assets over the coming decade. Estimates suggest that nearly
78,000 km of transmission line length and 270 GVA of transformer
capacity will be added in Southeast Asia by 2020. This will
correspond to a total investment of over USD35 billion in
development of transmission assets. Countries like Indonesia
and Vietnam, where significant generation capacity is under
development, will lead investments in power transmission.
Investment drivers
Southeast Asia requires investments across all segments of
the power sector to increase the populations access to power.
At present, electrification rates in countries like Cambodia and
Myanmar remain among the lowest in Asia at about 40 to 50 per
cent. Even in a fast developing country like Indonesia, about
one fourth of the population remains without access to power.
As per the International Energy Agencys Southeast Asia Energy
Outlook, almost 80 per cent of the rural population in the region
does not have access to power. The situation may worsen if
investments are delayed further as power demand in the region
is expected to continue its healthy growth backed by strong
economic growth. Cambodia is expected to witness the highest
power demand growth in the region, at the rate of 11 per cent
annually by 2020. Indonesia will also witness high demand growth
at an average rate of 8.6 per cent per year over the coming
decade. Countries like Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand are
projected to experience comparatively moderate demand
growth of 4 to 5 per cent per annum. Southeast Asian countries
have therefore formulated ambitious plans to add generation
capacity. Indonesia will lead investments in the segment with
over 57 GW planned to be added by 2021 under the countrys
latest power sector development plan (called RUPTL 2012).
Vietnam also plans significant expansion with a target of adding
over 38 GW by 2020 as mentioned in the National Master Plan
for Power Development.
Other ASEAN countries also have significant expansion
plans. Thailand is planning to add 38 GW of net generation
capacity by 2030 while Malaysia plans to add 16 GW by 2024.
Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia have announced
plans to respectively add over 14 GW, 9 GW, 5 GW and 3.5
MW of new capacities by 2020-21. The growth of generation
capacities across ASEAN countries will necessitate the
development of transmission assets. Unprecedented
investments in grid infrastructure will be required not only to
evacuate power from the new generation plants but also to
transfer it to demand centres. Additional investments in
transmission will be required to integrate and manage
renewable energy projects coming up in the region. ASEAN
26
countries also need to invest significantly to upgrade the

regions existing infrastructure in addition to adding new assets.
Power grids in most of these countries have aged and need
significant upgrades. In recent years, consumers have
witnessed power blackouts almost on a daily basis, mainly
due to overburdening of the power grid.
Planned network expansion

In light of these factors, most ASEAN countries have identified
key transmission projects that need to be implemented over
the next decade. These projects are planned to augment and
strengthen the national grids as well as to integrate upcoming
generation capacities. Indonesia will lead transmission
investments as the countrys power utility PT PLN (Persero)
plans to add over 51,670 km of transmission lines and around
118,870 MVA of transformer capacity by 2021. The focus will be
on the development of the 500 kV and 150 kV transmission
systems in the JavaBali system and a 500 kV, 275 kV and 150
kV network in eastern and western Indonesia.
PLN is in the process of developing Indonesias first high
voltage direct current (HVDC) link, which will connect the two
islands of Java and Sumatra at the 500 kV voltage level. The
line will run for 700 km, with 50 km of submarine cable, and will
have the capacity to transfer 3,000 MW of power. The project
is likely to entail an investment of over USD170 million and be
completed by 2017. PLN is also developing another 500 kV link
that will extend for 226 km to connect the islands of Java and
Bali. The USD458 million project will be completed by 2015.
Vietnam has also announced plans to invest significantly in
transmission capacity. As per the countrys Power Master Plan
VII, over 35,000 km of transmission lines and over 200,000
MVA of transformer capacity will be added by 2030. Some of
the major transmission projects under implementation in the
country include the 500 kV Son LaLai Chau and Duyen Hai
My Tho lines, which are due for commissioning in 2015.
Myanmar has announced plans to add almost 10,335 km of
transmission lines and about 10,746 MVA of transformer capacity
between 201314 and 203031. The countrys Ministry of Electric
Power is undertaking a mega project to build a 500 kV system
that will connect Myanmars power generation plants in the north
to the main load centres in the south. The project will involve the
construction of 1,280 km of lines beginning from Shwe Li in the
north to Myaung Tagar in the south via Thabyaywa, Taungoo
and Kamarnat. So far, plans have been finalised for
implementing three lines aggregating 503 km, namely the
ThabyaywaTaungoo, TaungooKamarnat and the Kamarnat
Myaung Tagar lines, which are slated for completion by 201516.
Various projects of 275 kV and 500 kV are currently underway in
Peninsular Malaysia. Some of the major projects include the
transmission infrastructure associated with Unit 4 of the
Janamanjung coal power plant, the Ulu Jelai hydropower plant
and unit 4 of the Tanjung Bin coal power plant. A key transmission
line coming up in the country is the BintuluKuching power line,
which involves the construction of an over 540 km long, 500 kV
backbone line between Bintulu and Kuching in Sarawak.
In the Philippines, the National Grid Corporation of the
Philippines (NGCP) has identified key transmission projects
aggregating over 943 km in line length and 12,165 MVA in
transformer capacity that will be implemented over the next
decade. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved
24 transmission projects that will be executed during 2014 and
Spotlight
2015. Of these, 10 projects will be implemented in Luzon, 9 in
the Visayan Islands and 5 in Mindanao. Concrete details of
other projects proposed for development during 2016-21 are
not yet available.
Thailands national power utility, Electricity Generating
Authority of Thailand (EGAT), plans to add around 6,400 circuit
km of new lines and 41,770 MVA of transformer capacity
between 2014 and 2019. It also plans to undertake renovation
and modernisation of 500 circuit km of existing lines and
upgrade 34 existing substations. Cambodia plans to add 1,370
km of new transmission lines between 2014 and 2020.
Meanwhile, several ASEAN countries are also focusing on
developing smart networks. Countries including Singapore,
Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia have ongoing smart grid pilot
projects whose results, expected in 2014, are likely to determine
the future course of investments in this segment.
Regional grid development

In addition to developing their respective national grids,
ASEAN countries have launched serious efforts to develop
the ASEAN Power Grid as an integrated regional power grid
will help balance the electricity demand and supply in the region
more efficiently, pool regional resources and empower
electricity infrastructure in the entire region. As a part of the
initiative, Indonesia is implementing two interconnection
projects with Malaysia. This includes the 50 km long, 250 kV
HVDC Peninsular MalaysiaSumatra interconnection and the
125 km long, 275 kV HVAC West KalimantanSarawak link.
Thailand is also constructing a new interconnection with
Malaysia that will become operational in 2014. The cross-border
link will run between the Su-ngai Kolok substation (Thailand)
and the Rantau Panjang substation (Malaysia). Also under
development is the 230 kV ThailandMyanmar interconnector
that will extend for about 100 km from Mai Khot in Myanmar to
Mae ChangChiang Rai in Thailand. The line is expected to be
commissioned in 2016. In addition, Thailand is developing two
500 kV interconnectors with Laos. One is a 365 km long power
line that will extend from Nabong in Laos to Nam Phong in
Thailand and the other is a 200 km long power line from Hongsa
in Laos to Mae Moh 3 in Thailand. Both the power lines are
expected to be operational by 2017.
Laos in also developing a new interconnector with Vietnam
that will stretch for 56 km and will be operational by 2019.
Table 1: Growth of power infrastructure in ASEAN countries

between 2005 and 2013
Country
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Myanmar
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
2005
2013 CAGR
(%)
Generation capacity
(MW)
231
682 14.5
26,601 47,920
7.6
21,279 31,680
5.1
1,801 3,615
9.1
15,619 17,711
1.6
25,810 30,916
2.3
11,275 27,816 11.9
Note: Data for 2013 is based on estimates

Source: Southeast Asia Research
2005
2013 CAGR
(%)
Transmission line
length (km)
134 1,191
31.4
25,959 32,071
2.7
21,261 26,276
2.7
2,917 5,675
8.7
12,505 13,188
0.7
29,207 32,030
1.2
22,138 31,566
4.5
Cambodia plans to construct two high voltage cross-border links,

one each with Laos and Vietnam. These are the 230 kV Stung
TrengLaos line, expected to be commissioned in 2014, and the
220 km long, 500 kV Ban Sok (Laos)Stung Treng (Cambodia)
Tay Ninh (Vietnam) line, expected to be commissioned in 2019.
Issues and way ahead

Though the ASEAN countries have laid out concrete
transmission development plans, several issues continue to
hinder progress. These include lack of a proper legal and policy
framework, lack of planning for developing the interconnected
system, lack of information on market characteristics and
resource potential, and limited institutional capacity for
planning, implementation and maintenance. Also, successful
implementation of the grid projects is dependent on the timely
completion of the generation projects. Today, the biggest
challenge facing governments is to ensure the timely start of
construction of generation facilities. Issues such as limited
access to financing, protracted land acquisition processes and
legal uncertainties are also slowing down project progress.
Power sector reforms in ASEAN countries have been a
positive step to attract the much-needed investments.
However, a lot more needs to be done to achieve the regions
energy targets. Private sector investments, which can help
bridge the investment gap, have been limited in ASEANs
power sector owing to barriers such as low retail prices,
regulatory issues and lack of a competitive power market.
Unless the power sector is adequately reformed, the influx of
the much needed private investment may be hampered. Also,
the funding required by ASEAN countries to expand their
transmission sectors is mammoth. For example, it is estimated
that the construction of the projects identified under Indonesias
RUPTL 201221 will cost around USD13 billion. Arranging funds
to meet these ambitions targets has been a challenge for
national power utilities and transmission companies given their
poor financial position and limited access to financing.
However, on a positive note, multilateral funding agencies
including Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank and
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been
supporting power sector investments in the region.
Several challenges also persist in developing the ASEAN
power grid. Power is a strategic resource for any government
and hence cross-border transmission projects are likely to
undergo protracted approval processes. Pricing of traded power
could emerge as another major challenge. For example, the price
at which electricity is sold by certain countries participating in the
ASEAN power grid will be too expensive for a country like
Indonesia, if the existing government subsidies continue.
Southeast Asian countries will have to overcome these challenges
through dialogue as intra-ASEAN electricity transmission will
create huge opportunities for participating countries.
Conclusion
Given the national power sector expansion plans, the investment
outlook for the power transmission segment in Southeast Asia
stands strong over the medium to long run. However, the
momentum of growth will depend solely on the progressive role
played by the governments of the respective countries as
concerted efforts will be required to overcome the regulatory,
financial and technical challenges in project implementation.
27
Data & Statistics
North America: Installed Capacity, Electricity Generation and Consumption

North America had an estimated installed capacity of 1,308.75 GW as of December 2013. Between 2009 and 2013, the region added
over 56,500 MW of capacity, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.11 per cent. Country-wise, the United States
had an estimated installed capacity of 1,171.38 GW as of 2013 and Canada had 137.36 GW.
Thermal power plants (including nuclear) account for the bulk of the capacity (about 79 per cent) in North America followed by
hydroelectric power plants at 13 per cent and renewables at 7 per cent. While in the US thermal power plants account for 84 per
cent of the countrys capacity, Canadas installed capacity is dominated by hydroelectric power plants with a share of 56 per cent.
In 2013, electricity generation in North America was 4,681,080 GWh. Of this, the US produced 4,058,209 GWh and Canada
produced 622,871 GWh. Generation has witnessed a decline since 2010 due to planned capacity retirements and declining
electricity demand. North Americas electricity consumption stood at 4,222,011 GWh in 2013. Of this, United States consumed
3,691,789 GWh and Canada consumed 530,222 GWh. Electricity consumption in North America has also been falling for the last
three years. This is in large part due to the recessionary economic conditions and in part due to the adoption of energy efficiency
measures.
Table 1: North Americas installed power generation capacity (MW)

Country/Energy source
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Canada
130,520
132,351
133,801
134,652
137,362
Hydro
74,678
74,893
75,588
76,630
76,922
Nuclear
13,345
13,345
13,345
13,345
14,320
Thermal
39,351
40,535
38,397
37,451
37,122
Renewables
3,146
3,578
6,471
7,226
8,998
United States
1,121,686
1,138,562
1,152,843
1,167,997
1,171,385*
98,448
98,742
99,010
99,099
99,355
Nuclear
106,618
106,731
107,001
107,938
104,993
Thermal
863,998
875,144
880,883
878,340
878,895
51,580
56,918
64,252
80,615
86,113
Other sources
1,042
1,027
1,697
2,005
2,029
North America
1,252,206
1,270,913
1,286,644
1,302,649
1,308,747
Hydro
Renewables
Note: 2013 figures are estimates. For the United States, 2013 figures are estimated based on net summer capacity for 2013.
Source: National Energy Board, Canada; US Energy Information Administration (EIA); Global Transmission Research
Table 2: Electricity generation and consumption in North America (GWh)

Year
Electricity generation
Electricity consumption
Canada
United States
North America
Canada
United States
North America
2009
574,792
3,950,331
4,525,123
511,972
3,596,865
4,108,837
2010
573,217
4,125,059
4,698,276
514,167
3,754,493
4,268,660
2011
604,529
4,100,140
4,704,669
529,278
3,749,846
4,279,124
2012
626,948
4,047,766
4,674,714
534,028
3,694,650
4,228,678
2013
622,871*
4,058,209
4,681,080
530,222*
3,691,789
4,222,011
*Estimates
Source: National Energy Board, Canada; US Energy Information Administration (EIA)
28
Data & Statistics
North America: Expected Capacity Addition and Consumption

During the period 2014-20, about 403,809 MW of new capacity will be installed in North America of which 385,176 MW will be added
in the United States and the balance 18,633 MW will be added in Canada. Most of the capacity addition in the United States will be
renewable-based (42 per cent) and gas-based (27 per cent). Similar trends are expected in Canada where 44 per cent of the
upcoming capacity will be renewable-based, 28 per cent will be hydro-based and 28 per cent will be gas-based.
Significant capacity retirements are also scheduled during 2014-20. The United States is expected to retire 405,887 MW of
capacity, of which over 65 per cent is coal-based. Several old gas and diesel-based plants and nuclear plants will also be retired.
Most of these retirements are driven by environmental and safety regulations. Similarly, Canada will retire 7,583 MW of its
existing capacity. Of the retirements, 59 per cent are nuclear plants, 34 per cent are coal plants and the balance are old gas-fired
plants.
With these planned expansions and retirements, North Americas overall installed capacity will decline by 9,661 MW from
1,308,747 MW in 2013 to 1,299,086 MW in 2020. While in Canada the net installed capacity will grow at a CAGR of 1.1 per cent to
reach 148,412 MW by 2020, the installed capacity in the US will witness a decline of 1.8 per cent from 1,171,385 MW in 2013 to
1,150,674 MW in 2020.
Growth in electricity demand is expected to be slow, given the trend towards energy efficiency. During 2014-20, North Americas
electricity consumption will witness a CAGR of 1.2 per cent. In 2020, electricity consumption is estimated to be 4,576,481 GWh in
North America. In the United States, electricity consumption is estimated to be 3,985,648 GWh and in Canada it is estimated to be
590,833 GWh.
Table 3: Expected growth in capacity in North America (MW)

Country
Capacity
Installed capacity
as of 2013
Capacity addition
during 201420
Retirements
during 201420
Expected installed
capacityin 2020
CAGR,
201320 (%)
137,362
18,633
7,583
148,412
1.1
United States
1,171,385
385,176
405,887
1,150,674
(0.3)
North America
1,308,747
403,809
413,470
1,299,086
(0.1)
Canada
Note: CAGR-compound annual growth rate

For the Unites States, capacity additions/retirements have been estimated based on net summer capacity figures.
Source: National Energy Board, Canada; US Energy Information Administration (EIA); Global Transmission Research
Table 4: Expected growth in electricity consumption in North America (GWh)
Country
Electricity consumption
2013
2020
CAGR, 201320 (%)
530,222
590,833
1.6
United States
3,691,789
3,985,648
1.1
North America
4,222,011
4,576,481
1.2
Canada
Note: CAGR-compound annual growth rate

Source: National Energy Board, Canada; US Energy Information Administration (EIA)
29
Data & Statistics
North America: Existing and Expected Growth in Transmission Network

North Americas transmission line length is estimated to be 779,848 circuit km as of 2013. Of this, 645,711 circuit km is in the United
States and the balance 134,137 circuit km is in Canada. In the United States, most transmission lines are at the 100120 kV (27 per
cent), the 121199 kV (27 per cent) and 200299 kV (21 per cent) levels. About 16 per cent are at 300450 kV, 8 per cent at 500 kV, and
1 per cent at 735/765 kV. In Canada, most transmission lines are at the 200299 kV (31 per cent) and the 100120 kV levels (31 per
cent). About 10 per cent are at 121199 kV, 11 per cent at 300450 kV, 9 per cent at 500 kV and 9 per cent at 735/765 kV.
Since 2009, the transmission line length has witnessed a CAGR of 1.71 per cent. Technology-wise, about 99 per cent of the
transmission lines in the United States are alternating current (AC) type and 1 per cent are direct current (DC) type. In Canada,
97 per cent of the lines are AC lines and the balance 3 per cent are DC lines.
During the period 2014-2020, a total of 71,325 circuit km is planned to be added in North America. Of this, 57,132 circuit km will
be added in the United States and 14,193 circuit km will be added in Canada. About 81 per cent of the line length additions have
been planned at 200 kV and above voltages. About 1,554 circuit km of lines will be decommissioned during the period under
review. With this, the net line length addition in North America will be 69,771 circuit km during 2014-2020. Technology-wise, about
78 per cent of the transmission line additions will be in the form of AC lines and the balance will be DC lines.
Table 5: Existing transmission line length in North America (circuit km)

Country/voltage
Canada
100120 kV
121199 kV
200299 kV
300450 kV
500 kV
735/765 kV
United States
100120 kV
121199 kV
200299 kV
300450 kV
500 kV
735/765 kV
North America
2009
127,218
38,579
12,717
39,886
12,891
11,724
11,421
601,487
171,942
157,255
136,181
88,437
43,872
3,800
728,705
2010
128,185
38,822
12,901
40,309
13,140
11,592
11,421
635,296
185,537
171,237
135,480
93,898
45,344
3,800
763,481
2011
130,862
40,076
12,916
41,386
12,729
12,334
11,421
627,662
172,462
175,178
131,772
92,647
51,803
3,800
758,524
2012
133,881
41,347
12,867
41,655
14,257
12,334
11,421
632,786
175,768
174,482
131,700
95,228
51,808
3,800
766,667
2013
134,137
41,339
12,877
41,698
14,388
12,414
11,421
645,710
177,079
176,197
133,116
103,068
52,450
3,800
779,847
Note: The 2013 figures have been estimated based on the North American Electric Reliability Corporations list of projects scheduled for completion in that year
after taking retirements into account.
Source: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC); Global Transmission Research
Table 6: Expected growth in transmission line length in North America (circuit km)
Canada
100120 kV
121199 kV
200299 kV
300450 kV
500 kV
735/765 kV
United States
100120 kV
121199 kV
200299 kV
300450 kV
500 kV
735/765 kV
North America
Transmission line
length addition during
201420
14,193
474
1355
4,978
3,448
3,554
384
57,132
4,524
7,056
6,225
15,322
13,007
10998
71,325
Lines to be
decommissioned
during 201420
216
0
216
0
0
0
0
1,337
209
144
261
723
0
0
1,553
Source: North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC); Global Transmission Research
30
Net transmission line

length addition
during 201420
13,977
474
1,139
4,978
3,448
3,554
384
55,795
4,315
6,912
5,964
14,599
13,007
10,998
69,772
DealUpdate
Watch
Project
Deal Watch
LATIN AMERICA
NORTH AMERICA
Brazilian Eletronorte acquires 100 per cent stake in Linha Verde

Transmissora de Energia
New Mexico Express Project, US
Brazilian power utility Centrais Eltricas do Norte do Brasil

S.A (Eletronorte), a subsidiary of federal government-owned
power utility Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras S.A. (Eletrobras),
has acquired a 51 per cent stake in SPE Linha Verde
Transmissora de Energia from Abengoa Concessoes Brasil
Holding, a local unit of Spanish Abengoa SA, for BRL40
million.
Project details and status: The project was announced in August

2013 with an aim to lay underground high voltage direct current
(HVDC) lines to connect the New Mexico region with power
markets in Texas and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).
This has increased the stake of Eletronorte in Linha Verde

to 100 per cent.
Tres Amigas is planning to build the 360-mile (580 km)

project in two phases. Phase I includes construction of an HVDC
line to connect north-western New Mexico with the planned
Tres Amigas superstation in the eastern part of the state.
Linha Verde is responsible for the construction, operation

and maintenance of the 230 kV Porto Velho-Jauru transmission
line, awarded by the countrys energy regulator Agencia
Nacional de Energia Eletrica (ANEEL) to a consortium of
Abengoa and Eletronorte at a transmission projects auction
in 2009.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
Developer: Tres Amigas
This will be the countrys first 2,000 MW underground HVDC

project.
The superstation will later connect to the Western and

Eastern interconnections and the Texas grid system. Under
Phase II of the project, a loop will be constructed in southern
New Mexico via an HVDC line from Eddy County to Clovis
transmission line.
ASIA PACIFIC
Though the cost estimates of the project have not been

disclosed by the company, it is planning to seek financial
assistance from the federal government due to the high cost
of burying the line.
ADB provides USD350 million loan for T&D system upgrade in

Indian state
It plans to form a public-private partnership to develop

this project.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan

agreement worth USD350 million for improving the power
transmission and distribution (T&D) system in Madhya
Pradesh, India.
In February 2014, the developer signed an agreement with

Broadview Energy, which is developing a wind farm in northern
New Mexico for the 25 years, for the New Mexico Express
project. Broadview is the first company to sign a contract for
the transmission line project.
Under the project named Madhya Pradesh Power

Transmission and Distribution System Improvement Project,
the state would upgrade about 1,800 circuit km of transmission
lines and over 3,100 circuit km of distribution lines, as well as
construct or upgrade T&D substations.
The project is slated to be completed in December 2018.
Broadview is installing 200 GE wind turbines in the region

and is likely to connect its project with the transmission line by
the end of 2015.
Sun Valley to Morgan Transmission Line Project, US

Developer: Arizona Public Service (APS)
MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

CESI signs agreement with GCCIA
CESI Middle East (CESI), technical consulting and engineering
services provider, has signed a three-year agreement with
the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority
(GCCIA).
As per the agreement, CESI will provide its services for
network operation, and undertaking planning, pre-feasibility
and feasibility studies for the development of transmission
network in the region.
It may extend its services during the construction phase
to include design and technical specification reviews, surveys,
inspections, and training activities.
Project details and status: The project, formerly called the TS-5
to TS-9 transmission project, entails the construction of a 38mile (61 km), 500/230 kV overhead transmission line on singlepole structures between the proposed Sun Valley substation
in the town of Buckeye and the existing Morgan substation in
the city of Peoria.
The project will require a 200-foot wide right-of-way (RoW)
or easement on public, private and trust land. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) approved the project in January
2014 and issued a record of decision (RoD) in February 2014.
As per BLMs RoD, the line will follow the alignment of
State Route (SR) 74, south of Lake Pleasant to Castle Hot
Springs Road, where it shifts to the south side of SR 74 and
terminates at the Morgan substation in Peoria.
It proceeds in the southwest direction to the BuckeyeSurprise area northwest of the White Tanks Mountains.
31
Project Update
Woodward EHV Thistle Transmission Line Project, US
Developer: Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E)
Project details and status: Under the project, Mortenson
Construction will construct a 90-mile (145 km), 345 kV line from
the Woodward EHV District substation, Oklahoma, to the
Oklahoma-Kansas border, about two miles (3.2 km) southeast
of Hardtner, Kansas.
In February 2014, Minneapolis-based Mortenson
Construction received the construction contract from OG&E.
The company has started construction works and is likely to
complete them by September 2014.
The line will be established in three sections. The

CardonesMaitencillo line will be 132.5 km long and involve an
investment of USD79.32 million. The MaitencilloPan de Azcar
line will span 209.5 km and be constructed at a cost of USD130.11
million, and the Pan de AzcarPolpaico line will run 401.8 km
and involve an investment of USD280 million.
All three sections are scheduled to be commissioned in
2016.
In February 2014, Interchile presented the environmental
impact declaration (EID) for the transmission line project.
AzangaroPuno Line Project, Chile
Cleveland National Forest Power Line Replacement Projects, US
Developer: Not yet awarded
Developer: San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), a subsidiary of

Sempra Energy
Project details and status: Under the project, a 114 km, 220 kV
transmission line will be constructed along with the expansion
of the Puno, Juliaca and Azangaro substations and construction
of the Juliaca Nueva and Azangaro Nueva substations.
Project details and status: The project, which is commonly

referred to as the Master Special Use Permit (MSUP) and
Permit to Construct (PTC) the Cleveland National Forest Power
Line Replacement Projects, has been designed by SDG&E
along with US Forest Service (USFS).
Under this project, the company has proposed to replace
the existing power transmission network of Cleveland National
Forest (CNF) and surrounding areas.
The proposed project includes the replacement of six
existing 12 kV lines and five lines at the 69 kV level spread
across an area of about 880 square miles in eastern San Diego
County.
In February 2014, the developer hosted two public meetings
in Alpine, San Diego County, to discuss its Cleveland National
Forest Power Line Replacement Projects with local residents.
The USD418 million project is opposed by residents and
local organisations. Their suggestions include planning more
power generation capacity in the region along with the power
transmission lines.
LATIN AMERICA
CardonesPolpaico Transmission Line Project, Chile
Developer: Interchile, a subsidiary in Chile of Colombian staterun grid operator Interconexion Electrica
Project details and status: The project entails the construction of
a 750 km double-circuit, 500 kV transmission line from the town
of Cardones in the Salta province to Polpaico in the Santiago
region.
The line aims to increase the power transmission capacity
from central to northern Chile. The project is part of the 2011
Trunk Transmission System Expansion Plan for the Sistema
Interconectado Central (SIC) or the Central Interconnected
Grid.
The USD600-USD800 million project is the first phase of the
interconnection between Chiles SIC and Sistema
Interconectado del Norte Grande (SING), or the northern
power grid.
32
The project is part of Perus new transmission plan for 201322 published by Perus grid operator Comit de Operacin
Econmica del (COES) for 2013-22 in April 2012, and received
approval from the ministry in January 2013.
In February 2014, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Peru
allowed the countrys investment promotion agency
ProInversion to prepare a tender and award construction of
the Azangaro-Juliaca-Puno transmission line project.
MoyobambaIquitos Transmission Line Project, Peru

Developer: Not yet awarded
Project details and status: The project entails the construction
of a 613 km, 145 MVA, 220 kV line from the new Moyobamba
substation in San Martin to the new Iquitos substation in Loreto
via Yurimaguas and Nauta.
It also involves the construction of a 5.2 km, 60 kV line
between the new Iquitos substation and the existing Iquitos
substation and new 220 kV substations at Moyobamba and
Iquitos; and extension of the existing Iquitos substation. These
facilities are expected to cost about USD434 million.
In February 2014, Perus investment promotion agency
ProInversion selected eight companies to bid for the
construction of the 220 kV MoyobambaIquitos line and
related substations.
The bidders are Colombian Interconexion Electrica;
Spanish Celeo Concesiones e Inversiones, Isolux
Ingenieria, and Cobra Instalaciones Servicios; Abengoa Peru;
Brazils Transmissora Alianca de Energia Eletrica SA (TAESA)
and Alupar Investimento; and Italys Terna Plus.
SucrePadilla Transmission Line Project, Bolivia

Developer: Bolivian power company La EmpresaNacional de
Electricidad (ENDE)
Project details and status: The project includes construction of
a 115 kV transmission line from the Sucre substation to the
Project Update
Padilla substation in two lots.
Lot I entails the SucreZudez line (69 km) section and
Lot II involves the ZudezPadilla line (51 km in single-circuit)
line section.
In February 2014, ENDE invited bids for executing supply
contracts entailing the construction of tower foundations,
installation of steel structures, stringing of conductors, and
installation of guard cable and optical ground wire (OPGW)
cable for the project.
The tender is part of the 115 kV SucrePadilla Transmission
Line project being funded by the Inter-American Development
Bids are due on March 25, 2014.
ASIA PACIFIC
Northern Region System Strengthening Scheme-XXIV (NRSSXXIV), India
Developer: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
(POWERGRID)
Project details and status: The project is being implemented by
Indias centrally owned transmission utility POWERGRID. It
entails the construction of 162 circuit km, 400 kV Dehradun
Abdullapur double-circuit line; the 115 circuit km, 400 kV Dulhasti
Kishenpur line; and extension of the 400/220 kV Deharadun,
Abdullapur, Kishenpur and Balia substations (2x63 MVAR
reactor).
The project is estimated to entail an investment of INR7.24
billion. In January 2013, Indias Larsen & Turbo (L&T) won a
contract for extension of the 400 kV Dehradun substation.
In February 2014, South Korea-based LS Cable & System
Limited won a contract for the supply of conductor packages
for the project.
The project is slated to be completed in November 2014.
Accordingly, in February 2013, RECTPCL formed a special

purpose vehicle named Unchahar Transmission Limited (UTL)
as its wholly owned subsidiary.
In February 2014, POWERGRID emerged as the lowest
bidder for the project. POWERGRID took over UTL to
undertake the project on a build-own-operate- maintain
basis.
Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission and Distribution System

Improvement Project, India
Developer: Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company
Limited (MP Transco), Madhya Pradesh Madhya Kshetra
Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited, Madhya Pradesh Poorv
Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited, Madhya Pradesh
Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited
Madhya Pradeshs state-owned transmission utility and three
distribution companies.
Under the project, the utilities would upgrade about 1,800
circuit km of transmission lines and over 3,100 circuit km of
distribution lines, as well as construct or upgrade transmission
and distribution (T&D) substations.
The project is estimated to entail an investment of USD500
million, of which USD350 million has been provided by the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) while the remaining will be
provided by the state government.
In February 2014, ADB signed the loan agreement for the
project. The project is slated to be completed in December
2018.

Cape Corridor Strengthening Project-Phase 2, South Africa
Developer: Eskom Holdings SOC Limited (Eskom)
(INR1=USD0.016)

South Africas vertically integrated power utility Eskom.
Associated Transmission System of Unchahar TPS project, India
It entails setting up several new lines and substations at

765 kV and 400 kV voltages to strengthen the electricity supply
network along the Cape Corridor in the Free State, Western
Cape and Northern Cape provinces.
Developer: Unchahar Transmission Limited

Unchahar Transmission Limited (UTL), a special purpose vehicle
(SPV) owned by Indias centrally owned transmission utility
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID).
The project includes construction of the 400 kV Unchahar
Fatehpur double-circuit line, two 400 kV line bays at Unchahar
(which would be developed by NTPC Limited), and two 400 kV
line bays at Fatehpur.
In October 2012, Indias Ministry of Power appointed REC
Transmission Projects Company Limited (RECTPCL), a wholly
owned subsidiary of Rural Electrification Corporation (REC),
as the bid process coordinator for the project.
Works under Phase 2 include construction of the first 765

kV GammaKappa line (560 km), the 765/400 kV Kappa
substation; extension of the Gamma and 400 kV Kappa
substations; development of the Kappa 400 kV loop-ins;
construction of the first 765 kV KappaSterrekus (Omega) line
and the 765/400 kV Sterrekus (Omega) substation; and
development of the 400 kV Sterrekus (Omega) loop-in.
Phase 2 is estimated to entail an investment of ZAR6.6
billion and is expected to be completed by 2015.
In December 2010, Indias KEC International Limited won
the turnkey contract to construct the GammaKappa line.
33
Company News
NORTH AMERICA
Grain Belt Express awards contracts to ABB, General Cable and
HPS
Grain Belt Express Clean Line LLC (Grain Belt Express), an
affiliate of Clean Line Energy Partners LLC (CLE) of
Houston, Texas has signed agreements with Missouri-based
manufacturers ABB Limited, General Cable, and Hubbell
Power Systems (HPS) for the Grain Belt Express Clean Line
transmission line project.
This is part of the companys commitment to source
majority of the required equipment for the project from
local companies.
As per the contracts, ABB will supply alternative
transformers for the collector system of the transmission
line, to connect new wind farms with the project in Kansas.
General Cable will produce steel core for the
transmission line conductor through its Sedalia, Missouri
facility, and HPS will supply hardware and polymer
insulators, which will be manufactured at its Centralia,
Missouri facility. To complete the order, HPS has planned to
invest about USD9 million in its Centralia facility.
The project is being developed by Rock Island Clean

Line LLC, an affiliate of CLE and includes construction of a
500 mile (805 km), 600 kV HVDC transmission line to
transfer electricity generated from wind farms located in
northwest Iowa and the surrounding states, across the
states of Iowa and Illinois, to a point 50 miles (80.5 km)
south of Chicago.
Here, it will interconnect with existing transmission lines
that feed power to markets in the eastern United States.
Illinois-based Southwire Company has been awarded the
cable contract for the project.
Mortenson Construction receives contract from OG&E

Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction has recently
received a contract from Oklahoma Gas and Electric
Company (OG&E) to build the Woodward EHV Thistle
transmission line project.
Under the project, Mortenson Construction will
construct a 90 mile (145 km), 345 kV line from Woodward
EHV District substation, Oklahoma, to the Oklahoma-
Kansas border about two miles (32.2 km) southeast of
Hardtner, Kansas.
Under the project, the company is constructing a 700

mile (1,127 km), 600 kV high voltage direct current (HVDC)
transmission line running from Ford County, Kansas to
south of St. Louis, Missouri, while possibly passing Reno
County.
The company has started construction works of the

project and is likely to complete it by September 2014.
The power line will deliver 3,500 MW of renewable

energy from western Kansas to communities in Missouri,
and points farther east where there is a strong demand for
clean, reliable energy.
NSP Maritime Link Incorporation (NSPML), an Emera

Incorporation and affiliate of Nova Scotia Power has
awarded a contract worth EUR175 million to French cable
maker Nexans, for the design, manufacture and installation
of two 220 kV HVDC power cables for its Maritime Link
Project.
The project has received approval from Missouri local

businesses, the state economic development director, local
governments and some environmentalists.
However, the approval from Caldwell County is still
pending. The line is facing opposition from the local
landowners of Caldwell County due to its expected impact
on their local businesses.
Grain Belt Express has also hosted a public meeting on
February 27, 2014 in Neosho, Missouri to discuss the project
with the local residents.
CLE awards contract to Sabre Industries for Rock Island line

project
Clean Line Energy (CLE) has awarded a contract to Iowabased manufacturer, Sabre Tubular Structures, a division
of Sabre Industries (Sabre) for its Rock Island Clean Line
project.
As per the contract, Sabre will manufacture and supply
2,000 transmission structures for the project, which will be
produced in Sabres Iowa facilities.
Sabre will establish a supplier base within the project
area (primarily in Iowa and Illinois) to supply as much raw
material as possible from local companies.
34
NSPML awards EUR175 million contract to Nexans
Maritime Link Project is a part of Muskrat Falls

Development Project, which is being jointly developed by
Nalcor Energy and Emera.
There are three main components of the project,
namely, a 824 MW hydroelectric generating facility at
Muskrat Falls on the lower Churchill River; about 1,100 km
of HVDC transmission line from Muskrat Falls to Soldiers
Pond on the island of Newfoundland; and an HVDC
Maritime Link, which will be financed and constructed by
Emera.
The Maritime Link is a proposed 500 MW, 200 kV HVDC
and 230 kV alternating current (AC) transmission line
between Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The project includes two 170 km subsea cables across
the Cabot Strait, with almost 50 km of overland transmission
in Nova Scotia and another 300 km of overland transmission
on the island of Newfoundland.
Nalcor Energy is responsible for constructing the dam
and power station in Labrador as well as transmission lines
on the island of Newfoundland, which is expected to cost
about USD6.2 billion, whereas Emera will invest USD1.3-1.5
billion to build its portion of the project.
Company News
Under the contract, Nexans will supply 340 km of mass
impregnated (MI) HVDC subsea and land cables together
with fibre optic elements, transition joints for the sea and
land cables, and other joints and terminations.
Of the total investment, BRL16.7 million will be spent on

the Rincao substation and BRL10.8 million on the Morro
Redondo substation.
(BRL1=USD0.42)
ABB receives USD60 million contract from Canadian HQ

Power and automation technology group ABB has won a
USD60 million order from Canadian power utility HQ to
replace vital components in its ultra-high transmission
system, which transport hydroelectric power generated in
the provinces northern region to the south.
Under this order, ABB will upgrade two Static Var
Compensators (SVC) located at HQs Albanel substation.
The upgrades will provide fast-acting reactive power
compensation for the 735 kV electrical network, and should
be completed by 2016.
The SVCs are part of ABBs FACTS (Flexible Alternating
Current Transmission Systems) technologies, which help
in enhancing the capacity and flexibility of power
transmission systems.
ASIA PACIFIC
Alstom T&D wins INR3.82 billion contract from Indias
POWERGRID
Alstom T&D India has won a contract worth around INR3.82
billion from Indias central transmission utility Power Grid
Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) for providing
grid security technologies for the Unified Real-Time
Dynamic State Measurement (URTDSM) project.
To develop a smart transmission grid, POWERGRID
proposed the URTDSM project to deploy wide area
monitoring system (WAMS) synchrophasor technology
across India.
As per ABB officials, the technology compensates for

fluctuations in voltage and current, allowing more power
to reach consumers through existing transmission
networks.
Under the contract, Alstom will supply hardware and

software solutions for the WAMS that would enable
POWERGRID to undertake nation-wide monitoring of power
flows across the grid and also respond to fluctuations
quickly.
LATIN AMERICA
Alstom will supply over 1,300 MiCOM P847 Phasor

Measurement Units (PMU) to collect over 18,000 real-time
synchronised measurements from 351 substations across
the country.
Brazilian WEG to complete 17 substations of Chesf by April

2015
WEG, a Brazilian power equipment manufacturing company
is likely to complete the expansion of 17 power substations
of federal power utility Companhia Hidro Eletrica do Sao
Francisco (Chesf ), a subsidiary of Centrais Eletricas
Brasileiras S.A. (Eletrobras), by April 2015.
The power substations are located in the states of
Alagoas, Piaui, Ceara, Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do
Norte and Sergipe. Their expansion is in line with Chesfs
target to upgrade its transmission systems in the northeast
region of Brazil.
Apart from the equipment produced by WEG itself, the
company is also responsible for the delivery of yard
equipment, high-voltage cables, structures, buildings, aerial
networks of up to 550 kV, additional civil, electromechanical
and engineering services; and also the development and
delivery of a measurement, protection, command, control,
supervision and regulation (MPCCSR) system and its
integration with substations of up to 550 kV.
The company will also equip 34 control centres at

existing national, regional and state load dispatch sites with
e-terra phasor point, a software solution which analyses
weak spots in the system.
(INR1=USD0.016)
Indias POWERGRID awards INR569 million equipment

contracts
POWERGRID has awarded two contracts worth INR568.9
million for the supply of conductor and reactor packages.
One of the contracts, worth INR551.4 million has been
bagged by Korea-based LS Cable & System Limited for the
supply of high temperature low sag (HTLS) conductors for
the transmission lines associated with Transmission System
Strengthening in Northern Region for IPP Projects in
Chhattisgarh and Northern Region System Strengthening
Scheme-XXIV (NRSS-XXIV).
CEEE awards contract for BRL27.5 million project in Brazil
Another contract is worth over INR117.5 million which

has been bagged by Crompton Greaves Limited (CGL) for
the supply of a reactor package.
Brazilian power utility Companhia Estadual de Energia

Eletrica (CEEE) has awarded a contract to construct two
power substations with an investment of BRL27.5 million, to
a consortium formed by local builders Altus and IPS
Engenharia e Construes.
Under the contract, CGL will supply a 2x63 MVAR, 420

kV, three-phase bus reactor for the 400 kV Dehar substation
(BBMB) and a 1x125 MVAR, 420 kV, three-phase bus reactor
for the 400 kV Koteshwar hydroelectric plant substation
(THDC).
35
Company News
The contract has been awarded under the system
strengthening schemes in the Northern region.
Siemens bags EUR2.35 million substation contract in

Romania
(INR1=USD0.016)
Siemens has won a contract from Romanias transmission

grid developer Transelectrica for the expansion of the 400
kV Cernavoda substation.
EUROPE
The contract is worth EUR2.35 million.
ABB bags USD55 million cable contract in UK
(EUR1=USD1.38)
ABB, a power and automation technology company, has

won a contract worth USD55 million in the UK for the supply
of a submarine alternating current (AC) power cable system
for the 400 MW Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm located off
the coast of Norfolk. The contract has been awarded by
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Limited, a company jointly owned
by the Norway-based companies Statoil and Statkraft.
Schneider Electric wins EUR4.3 million contract from Serbian

TSO
The cable system would connect the wind farm to the

UK national grid. The electricity generated by the wind farm
will be transmitted to the shore via a seabed cable at
Weybourne Hope, from where an underground cable will
be laid to carry the electricity to a substation in Necton
before being fed into the national grid.
Under the contract, Schneider Electric Srbija will install

the equipment at the 400/110 kV Blgrade 20 and 400/220 kV
brnvc substations.
Under the contract, ABB will design and supply two 132
kV three-core AC submarine cables, each 42 km long,
connecting the wind farms offshore substation at
Weybourne Hope, where they will be connected to the
onshore cables. The company will start the supply of cables
from 2016.
Siemens bags PLN349 million contract from Polish TSO

Siemens has bagged a contract worth PLN349 million from
the Polish transmission system operator (TSO) Polskie Sieci
Elektroenergetyczne (PSE) S.A. for the supply of high voltage
equipment.
Under the contract, Siemens will supply and install four
sets of 400 kV phase shifters with a capacity of 1,200 MVA
for the cross-border lines associated with the Krajnik and
Mikuowa substations.
(PLN1=USD0.33)
Polish Energa Operator awards 110/15 kV transformer

contracts
Polands Energa Operator SA has awarded a contract (in
three lots) for the supply and installation of 110/
15 kV transformers.
Two of the lots have been won by ZREW Transformers
Sp. z oo, while the third lot has been won by Power
Engineering SA. One of the lots won by ZREW is worth
EUR12.6 million and entails supply of transformers for the
Torun, Olsztyn Plock and Gdansk branches, while the other
contract is worth EUR11.6 million, which entails supply of
transformers for the Gdask and Koszalin branches. The
lot won by Power Engineering is for supplying transformers
to the Gdask and Kalisz branches.
(EUR1=USD1.38; PLN1=USD0.33)
36
Serbian state-owned TSO Elektromreze Srbije (EMS) has

awarded a contract worth EUR4.3 million to France-based
Schneider Electric Srbija for providing relay protection,
monitoring, and control systems.

ABB wins USD216 million transmission contracts in Kuwait
and India
ABB has won two contracts worth USD216 million in Kuwait
and India. In Kuwait, the company has won a turnkey contract
worth USD160 million from Ministry of Electricity and Water
(MEW) for the construction of 300/132 kV gas-insulated
switchgear (GIS) substations. Under the contract, the ABB
will design, supply, install and commission two 300/132 kV
substations in the northern region of Rawdatain as well as
undertake extension of three existing 132 kV GIS substations.
The projects are scheduled for completion by 2016.
The other contract is worth USD56 million, and has been
awarded by Indias central transmission utility POWERGRID
for the supply of power transformers and shunt reactors for
substations. The contract entails installation of fourteen 500
MVA, 765 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) single-phase
autotransformers at greenfield substations being
constructed in Kanpur and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The
contract also involves supply of 26 units of 80 MVA and 10
units of 110 MVA, 765 kV UHV single-phase shunt reactors
for four substations being built in southern and eastern India.
ABB bags USD20 million transmission contract in

Mozambique
ABB has won a contract worth USD20 million from the joint
venture of Danish Per Aarsleff A/S and Portuguese Seth
S.A. for the supply of equipment packages for two airinsulated substations in Mozambique.
The contract also includes the rehabilitation and
extension of nine existing transmission substations, which
are owned and operated by Mozambiques verticallyintegrated power company Electricidade de Mozambique
(EDM).
Tenders & Contracts
NORTH AMERICA
Installation of 230 kV transmission line
Country: Canada
Organisation: Manitoba Hydro
Description/Scope of work: Requests for proposal (RfPs) are
invited for undertaking construction works for the 230 kV Riel
Phase II D72V bypass and the associated transmission line.
The scope of work entails mobilisation and demobilisation;
installation of steel tube towers for D72V bypass; stringing,
sagging and permanent installation of phase conductors and
overhead groundwires for D72 bypass; installation of lattice
steel tower for D72V bypass; stringing, sagging and permanent
installation of phase conductors and overhead groundwires
for the F-202-8 tower; tower modifications; and temporary
access across South Bibeau Drain.
Closing date: March 20, 2014
Contact: Manitoba Hydro,
360 Portage Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Supply of three-phase and single- phase 525 kV shunt reactors

Country: Canada
Organisation: BC Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro)
Description/Scope of work: RfPs are invited for the supply and
delivery of a three-phase 525 kV shunt reactor (60 Hz, outdoortype with ONAN cooling and rated 135 MVAr) at the Kelly Lake
substation and a 525/#3 kV single- phase shunt reactor (60 Hz,
outdoortype with ONAN cooling and rated 45 MVAr) at the
Telkwa substation.
Contact: Bid Station (courier desk / main floor),
BC Hydro, 333, Dunsmuir Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5R3,
Canada
Phone: +1 604 6234346
Email: bidstation@bchydro.com
LATIN AMERICA
Procurement of 500 kV and 220 kV transformers
Country: Argentina
Organisation: Transener SA
Description/Scope of work: International competitive bids are
invited for the procurement of 500 kV and 220 kV transformers
for the Recreo and Ramallo substations.
Contact: Transener SA,
Avenida Corrientes,
1189 Piso 7, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: www.transener.com.ar
Installation works for 115 kV transmission line

Country: Bolivia
Organisation: Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE)
Description/Scope of work: Expressions of Interest (EoIs) are
invited for undertaking the supply contract entailing
construction of tower foundation installations of steel
structures cross-linked simple terna, stringing of conductors,

installation of guard cables and optical ground wire (OPGW)
cable for the construction of a 115 kV transmission line from
the Sucre substation to the Padilla substation in two lots. Lot I:
SucreZudez line (69 km)
Lot II: ZudezPadilla line (51 km in single circuit)
The tender is a part of the 115 kV SucrePadilla Transmission
Line project being funded by the Inter-American Development
Contact: TDE Building, ENDE,
Calle Colombia Nro. O-0655 esq. Falsuri,
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Phone: + 591 4 4520317
Fax: +591 4 4520318
Email: pspad@ende.bo
Administration and supervision works for 230 kV line

extensions and substations
Country: Panama
Organisation: Empresa de TransmisinElctrica S.A. (ETESA)
invited for undertaking administration and supervision works
for the construction of a third 230 kV transmission line and
extension of the associated substation.
Closing date: April 3, 2014
Contact: Maricruz Montenegro, ETESA,
TumbaMuerto, EdifSun Tower, Piso 3,
AscensorPanormicoDel Lado De, Panama
Phone: +507 5013929
Email:mmontenegroc@etesa.com.pa
ASIA PACIFIC
Reconstruction and construction of 66 kV overhead feeders
Country: Australia
Organisation: Endeavour Energy
invited for the reconstruction of a 66 kV overhead feeder 853
and the construction of a new 66 kV overhead feeder 85M for
the Ambarvale Zone substation.
Contact: Endeavour Energy,
P.O. Box 811, Seven Hills NSW 1730, 1,
Australia
Geotechnical investigation for 110 kV substation

Country: China
Organisation: Shanghai Construction Engineering Consulting
Company
invited for undertaking geotechnical investigation for a 110 kV
substation project.
Contact: Shanghai Construction Engineering Consulting
Company, Room 1013, 310 South Road, Shanghai,
Chongqing, China
Phone: +86 51523936
Fax: +86 51523937
37
Tenders & Contracts

Supply of 400/220 kV GIS substation package
Country: India
Organisation: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
(POWERGRID)
invited for the supply of a substation package for 400/220 kV
gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) (New) substation at Rajarhat
including 2x125 MVAr bus reactors, 2x80 MVAr 400 kV line
reactors and 2x500 MVA 400/220 kV autotransformers under
Transmission System Associated with Eastern Region
Strengthening Scheme-V.
Contact: Deputy General Manager (CS-G3)/Chief Manager
(CS-G3), POWERGRID, Saudamini,
Plot No. 2, Sector-29,
Gurgaon-122001, Haryana, India
Phone: +91 124 2822345/2822363
Fax: +91 124 2571831
Website: www.powergridindia.com
Establishment of 400/230/110 kV station

Country: India
Organisation: Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Limited
(TANTRANSCO)
invited for the establishment of Manali 400/230/110 kV GIS
substation in Chennai region funded by the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Contact: Superintending Engineer/Transmission III,
Sixth Floor, Western Wing, NPKRR Maaligai,
TANTRANSCO, 144 Anna Salai,
Chennai-600002, Tamil Nadu, India
Website: www.tantransco.gov.in, www.tangedco.gov.in
Construction of 132 kV line

Country: India
Organisation: Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission
Corporation Limited (HPPTCL)
invited for the construction of a 132 kV double-circuit (D/C)
transmission line on towers from the 33/132 kV pooling
substation at Barsaini to the 132/220 pooling station at Charor
in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh under the Asian
Development Bank (ADB)-funded Himachal Pradesh Clean
Energy Transmission Investment Program - Tranche 2.
Contact: Deputy General Manager (Contracts),
HPPTCL, Barowalias House, Khalini,
Shimla-171002, Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 177 2626784
Fax: +91 177 2626284
Email: dgm.1hpptcl@gmail.com
Website: www.hpptcl.gov.in
Construction of 220 kV line

Country: India
Organisation: HPPTCL
invited for the construction of a 220 kV D/C (twin moose)
38
transmission line on towers from the 132/220 kV pooling

substation at Sunda to the 220 kV switching station at Hatkoti
in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh under the ADB-funded
Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment
Program - Tranche 2.
Contact: Deputy General Manager (Contracts),
HPPTCL, Barowalias House, Khalini,
Shimla-171002, Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 177 2626784
Fax: +91 177 2626284
Email: dgm.1hpptcl@gmail.com
Website: www.hpptcl.gov.in
Establishment of 230 kV AIS substation

Country: India
Organisation: TANTRANSCO
invited for establishment of the 230 kV Puraisai air-insulated
switchgear (AIS) substation in Villupuram funded by the JICA
through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan.
Contact: Superintending Engineer/Transmission II,
TANTRANSCO, Sixth Floor,
Western Wing, NPKRR Maaligai,
144, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002,
Tamil Nadu, India
Design of 230/33 kV GIS substation and transformers

Country: India
Organisation: TANTRANSCO
invited for the design, engineering, fabrication, manufacture,
supply, erection, testing and commissioning of 230/33 kV GIS
substation along with two l00 MVA 230/33 kV power
transformers with associated equipment and accessories for
the completion and commissioning of the substation at the
TNEB headquarters in the Chennai North region.
Contact: Superintending Engineer/Transmission II,
TANTRANSCO, Sixth Floor,
Western Wing, NPKRR Maaligai, 144,
Anna Salai, Chennai-600002,
Tamil Nadu, India
Procurement of 150 kV transformers

Country: Indonesia
Organisation: PT PLN (Persero)
invited for the procurement of 150 kV transformers for
scattered substations under the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)-funded Second Power
Transmission Development Project (Scattered Transmission
Lines and Substations Phase II) in two lots.
Lot I: Supply of 21 units of 150 kV transformers in the Java-Bali
Region
Lot II: Supply of 16 units of 150 kV transformers outside the
Java-Bali Region
Tenders & Contracts

Contact: Director of Procurement and Primary Energy,
PT PLN (Persero)Kantor Pusat,
Jl. Trunojoyo Blok M I/ 135,
Main Building, Fifteenth Floor,
Jakarta-12160, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 7251234/7261122, Ext:1380, 1862
Fax: +62 21 7227060
Email: sasongko@pln.co.id
Supply and installation of 150 kV transformer bays

Country: Indonesia
Organisation: PT PLN (Persero)
invited for the supply and installation of the equipment,
including transportation, testing, commissioning and civil
works for the extension of 150 kV transformer bays under the
IBRD funded Second Power Transmission Development Project
(Scattered Transmission Lines and Substations Phase II) in
two lots:
Lot I: Java-Bali region (21 locations)
Lot II: Outside Java-Bali region (15 locations)
Contact: Director of Procurement and Primary Energy,
PT PLN (Persero) Kantor Pusat,
Jl. Trunojoyo Blok M I / 135,
Main Building, Fifteenth Floor,
Jakarta-12160, Indonesia
Phone: +62 21 7251234/7261122, Ext: 1380, 1862
Fax: +62 21 7227060
Email: sasongko@pln.co.id
Construction of 132 kV underground cable

Country: Malaysia
Organisation: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
invited for the construction of a 132 kV D/C underground cable
from PMU Hicom to PMU Penaga.
Contact: General Manager,
Procurement and Contract Management,
TNB, Asset Development, Transmission Division,
Level 3, Transmission Building 129,
Jalan Bangsar, 59200,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: www.tnb.com
Installation of 132 kV grid station and double-circuit lines

Country: Pakistan
Organisation: Lahore Electric Supply Company Limited
(LESCO)
invited for the procurement of plant, design, supply, installation,
testing, commissioning and civil works of 132 kV DHA Phase
VI (Barki, District Lahore) grid station and 132 kV DHA Phase
VII (Dera Chahel, District Lahore) grid station along with
associated 132 kV D/C feed transmission lines under the ADB
funded Power Distribution Enhancement Investment Program,
Tranche-3.
Contact: Chief Engineer, Development,
LESCO, Near Qartaba Chowk,
Bahawalpur Road, Mozang, Lahore
Phone: +92 42 99214410
Fax: +92 42 99214412
Email: cedev@lesco.gov.pk
Website: www.lesco.gov.pk
EUROPE
Repair of 220 kV line segment
Country: Bulgaria
Organisation: Elektroenergien Sistemen Operator EAD (ESO)
invited for the repair of an overhead segment of the 220 kV
Trakia line. The scope of work includes removal of one unit of
existing lattice pillar no. 255/258 (type HMB + 3), removal of
one unit of existing lattice pillar no. 256/259 (type AMV60 +3),
installation of two units of new steel towers, replacement of
phase conductors and lightning protection rope, and repair
and installation of the grounding system of the two new
towers.
Contact: Mihaela Georgieva,
ESO, 105, Gotse Delchev Blvd,
1404, Sofiya, Bulgaria
Phone: +359 29696834/29696849
Fax: +359 29626189
Email: eso@eso.bg
Website: www.eso.bg
Supply of a 115/21 kV transformer
Construction of 132/33 kV line

Country: Malaysia
Organisation: TNB
invited for undertaking works for the construction of a new
transmission line at PMU 132/33 kV Bukit Tengah.
Contact: General Manager,
Procurement and Contract Management,
TNB, Asset Development, Transmission Division,
Level 3, Transmission Building 129,
JalanBangsar, 59200,
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Website: www.tnb.com
Country: Finland
Organisation: Tampereen Shkverkko Oy
invited for the supply of a 115/21 kV, 31.5 MVA transformer.
Contact: Mika Marttila, Tampereen Shkverkko Oy, FI-33101,
Tampere, Finland
Phone: +358 408004246
Email: etunimi.sukunimi@sahkolaitos.fi
Website: www.tampereensahkoverkko.fi
Repair and maintenance of 330/110 kV overhead lines

Country: Latvia
39
Tenders & Contracts

Organisation: Joint Stock Company Latvijas Elektriskie Tkli
(Latvenergo)
invited for repair and maintenance works on a 330/110 kV
overhead line in six lots. The contract will be awarded through
a negotiated procedure.
Lot I: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Riga district
Lot II: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Valmiera district
Lot III: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Daugavpils
district
Lot IV: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Krustpils district
Lot V: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Brocnu district
Lot VI: Renewal and maintenance repairs in Grobias district
Contact: Juris Gavronskis, Drzciemaiela 86,
Rga, LV-1073, Latvia
Phone: +371 67725235
Fax: +371 67725211
Email: let@latvenergo.lv
Website: www.latvenergo.lv
Rehabilitation of 110/35/10 kV transformers and 400 kV reactors

Country: Moldova
Organisation: SE Moldelectrica
Description/Scope of work: Prequalification bids from global
contractors are invited for rehabilitation of 10 units of 110/35/
10 kV power transformer substations and reactor foundations
for 400 kV reactor substations under the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)-funded Transmission
Network Rehabilitation Project, which is being also funded by
a loan provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and
grant funds from the EU Neighbourhood Investment Facility
(NIF). The contract will be awarded through a negotiated
procedure.
Contact: Octavian CIOBIRCA,
SE Moldelectrica, Chisinau,
78, V. Alecsandri Street, Republic of Moldova
Phone: +373 22253548
Fax: +373 22 253 142.
Website: octavian.ciobirca@moldelectrica.md
Repair of 400 kV lines

Country: Poland
Organisation: Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne - Poludnie SA
(PSE-Poludnie SA)
invited for the repair of 400 kV overhead power lines into two
lots:
Lot I: Repair of the 400 kV Tucznawa-Tarnow-Rzeszow
Tucznawa line
Lot II: Repair of the 400 kV Dobrzen-Trbaczew DobrzenPasikurowice line
Contact: Tomasz Sikora, Krzysztof Kic,
PSE-Poludnie SA, Jordana 25,
40-056 Katowice, Poland
Phone: + 48 322578001 / 322578472 / 322578007
Fax: + 48 322578017
Email: przetargi.psepoludnie@pse.pl
Website: www.pse-poludnie.pl
40
Supply of 220 kV, 110 kV and 30 kV bushings and equipment

Country: Poland
Organisation: Polskie Siecie Elektroenergetyczne Wschod
SA (PSE-Wschod S.A.)
invited for the supply of bushings for rated voltages of 220 kV,
110 kV and 30 kV, along with additional equipment for insulators
divided into six packages:
Package I: Supply of nine units of 220 kV bushings
Package II: Supply of six units of 220 kV bushings and additional
equipment
Package III: Supply of six units of 110 kV bushings and
accessories
Package IV: Supply of three units of 110 kV bushings
Package V: Supply of nine units of 110 kV bushings
Package VI: Supply of three units of 30 kV bushings
Contact: Beata Olszewska,
Ewa Zajc, PSE-Wschod S.A.,
Zeromskiego 75, 26-600 Radom, Poland
Phone: + 48 483660840 / 483660811
Email: beata.olszewska@pse.pl, ewa.zajac@pse.pl
Website: www.pse-wschod.pl
Reconstruction of 400 kV line

Country: Poland
Organisation: PSE-Wschod S.A.
invited for reconstruction of 400 kV PolaniecKielce line Stage
II. The scope of work involves securing formal and legal
arrangements, including obtaining permits and administrative
approvals, design documentation, procurement and supply
of materials needed to repair the 400 kV PolaniecKielce line,
execution of electrical works and construction, disposal of
dismantled materials and removal of any damage resulting
from works undertaken.
Contact: Anna Mucha, PSE-Wschod S.A.,
Zeromskiego 75, 26-600 Radom, Poland
Phone: +48 483660841
Fax: +48 483660606
Email:anna.mucha@pse.pl
Website: www.pse-wschod.pl
Corrosion protection of 220 kV and 110 kV steel structures

Country: Poland
Organisation: PSE-Poludnie SA
invited for corrosion protection of 110 kV and 220 kV steel
structures.
Scope I: Corrosion protection of steel structures without
foundations in SE Bierun
Scope II: Corrosion protection of steel structures with
foundations in SE Komorowice.
Contact: Tomasz Sikora,
Krzysztof Kic, PSE-Poludnie SA,
Jordana 25, 40-056 Katowice, Poland
Phone: +48 322578001 / 322578472 / 322578007
Fax: +48 322578017
Tenders & Contracts

Supply of 220/110-50 kV transformers
Email: przetargi.psepoludnie@pse.pl
Website: www.pse-poludnie.pl
Supply of 110 kV SF6 switchgear

Country: Poland
Organisation: RWE Stoen Operator Sp. z o.o.
invited for the procurement of 110 kV SF6 insulated switchgear
for the GPZ Towarowa substation.
Contact: Sebastian Leszczynski,
RWE Stoen Operator Sp. z o.o.,
Pikna 46, 00-672 Warszawa,
Poland
Phone: +48 228214216
Fax: +48 228214372
Email: sebastian.leszczynski@rwe.pl
Website: www.rwestoenoperator.pl
Installation of 110 kV cable and accessories

Country: Switzerland
Organisation: Axpo Power AG
invited for the delivery, installation, assembly and testing of a
110 kV cable (543 metres), fitting and supply of accessories in
three lots.
Lot I: Installation of about 114 metres of a 110 kV high voltage
cable
Lot II: Installation of about 159 metres of a 110 kV high voltage
cable
Lot III: Installation of about 270 metres of a 110 kV high voltage
cable
Contact: DominikSuter, Axpo Power AG,
Park 23, 5401 Baden,
Switzerland
Phone: +41 56 2003111
Website: www.axpo.com
Installation of 110 kV GIS substations

Organisation: AEW Energie AG
invited for the installation and commissioning of 110 kV SF6
GIS substations in three lots:
Lot I: Commissioning of encapsulated SF6 GIS substation
Sins by March 2015
Lot II: Commissioning of encapsulated SF6 GIS substation A
by May 2015
Lot III: Commissioning of encapsulated SF6 GIS substation B
by July 2015
Contact: Thomas Suter,
AEW Energie AG,
Upper Suburban 40, 5001,
Aarau, Switzerland
Phone: +62 834 2241
Fax: +62 834 2250
Email: thomas.suter@aew.ch
Organisation: Central Kraftwerke AG
invited for the supply of two 220/110-50 kV transformers with
125 MVA capacity for the Sursee substation.
Closing date: May 8, 2014
Contact: Lukas Meienhofer,
Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG,
Taschmattstrasse 4, CH-6015,
Luzern, Switzerland
Website: www.ckw.ch
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Procurement of 230 kV power cables
Country: Iran
Organisation: Khuzestan Regional Electric Company
invited for the procurement of power cables of different sizes
for the 230 kV Dogonbadan substation.
Contact: Khuzestan Regional Electric Company,
Palestine Street, Khuzestan, Iran
Website: kzrec.co.in
Design of three 132/33 kV GIS substation

Country: Iraq
Organisation: Ministry of Electricity
invited for the design, supply of plant and equipment, civil
construction works, training and supervision of three new 132/
33 kV GIS substation at Al-Karmah West 2, Al-KutWest north.
Contact: General Directorate of Electrical Transmission
Projects (ETP), Ministry of Electricity,
Baghdad, Iraq
Email:71_DG@moele.gov.iq;
71_commercial.dept.mgr@moele.gov.iq
Website: www.moelc.gov.iq
Burying of 161 kV line

Country: Israel
Organisation: Israel Electric Corporation
invited for burying a 161 kV line in Carmel Castle.
Contact: Golan Blais,
Israel Electric Corporation,
10, Haifa, 3100001, Israel
Phone: +972 48647428
Email: Us13b@iec.co.il
Website: www.iec.co.il
Construction of 132/11 kV transformer substations and lines

Country: Kuwait
Organisation: Central Tenders Committee (CTC)
41
Tenders & Contracts

invited for the construction of three new 132/11 kV main
transformer stations and associated high-tension overhead
lines at Al-Ratqa, Sabriya and Roudatain.
Closing date: May 20, 2014
Contact: CTC, P.O. Box 1070,
Safat, 13011, Kuwait
Phone: +965 2401200
Fax: +965 2416574
Email: info@ctc.gov.kw
Website: www.ctc.gov.kw
Procurement of 66 kV cable accessories

Country: Mauritius
Organisation: Central Electricity Board
invited for the procurement of 66 kV cable accessories. The
procurement comprises 18 packages of single-point bonding
accessories, 84 units of joint straight through 66 kV and 105
units of 66 kV cable termination OD-1x 630 mm2.
Contact: The General Manager,
Central Electricity Board, Royal Road,
Curepipe, Mauritius
Phone: +2306011100
Fax: +230 6757958/59
Email: ctc@ceb.intnet.mu
Construction of a 226/60 kV substation

Country: Morocco
Organisation: LOffice National delectricit et de lEau Potable
(ONEE)Branche Electricite
invited for construction and commissioning of the 225/60 kV
Jbel Moussa substation and connection of the associated 225
kV and 60 kV lines under the African Development Bank (ADB)funded Projet De Dveloppement Du Rseau De Transport Et
De Rpartition De Llectricit.
Contact: ONEEBranche Electricity,
65, Rue Othman Ben Affan-20000,
Casablanca, Morocco
Phone: +212 522 668021
Fax: + 212 522 433112
Website: www.one.org.ma
Overhauling of a 380 kV GIS station
Country: Saudi Arabia

Organisation: SWCC
invited for the internal inspection and overhauling of three
bays of a 380 kV GIS substation at the Shoaiba plant.
Contact: SWCC, Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Road,
Al-Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 1 4631111
Fax: +966 1 464111
Website: www.swcc.gov.sa
Refurbishment of 275 kV and 132 kV lines and substations

Country: South Africa
Organisation: Ethekwini Municipality
invited for the supply, delivery and erection of materials for
the refurbishment and construction of 275 kV and 132 kV
overhead transmission lines and substations.
Contact: Ethekwini Municipality,
Building No 11, 11 Electron Road, Durban, South Africa
Phone: +2731311942
Website: www.durban.gov.za
Construction of underground cable connections

Country: Tunisia
Organisation: Socit Tunisienne de lElectricit et du Gaz
(STEG)
invited for undertaking studies, manufacture, installation,
testing and commissioning of 90 kV, 150 kV and 225 kV
underground cable connections in the Twelfth Plan.
Lot I: 18.3 km long cables
Lot II: 35.4 km long cables
The project is a part of STEGs transmission development plan
expected to be funded by the EIB.
Contact: STEG, 38, Rue Kamel Ataturk,
P.O. Box 190-1080,
Tunis, Tunisia
Phone: +216 71341311
Fax: +216 71330174
Email: dpsc@steg.com.tn
Website: www.steg.com
Supply of cable laying works for 132 kV substations
Country: Saudi Arabia

Organisation: Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC)
invited for the overhauling of a 380 kV GIS station under
Phase I.
Contact: SWCC, Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Road,
Al-Olaya, SWCC, Riyadh,
Saudi Arabia
Phone: +966 1 4631111
Fax: +966 1 464111
Website: www.swcc.gov.sa
42
Overhauling of 380 kV bays
Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Organisation: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
invited for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning
of 132 kV cable laying works for five 132/11 kV substations and
carrying out associated works.
Contact: DEWA, P.O. Box 564, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 3244444
Fax: +971 4 3248111
Email: contracts@dewa.gov.ae
Website: www.dewa.gov.ae

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MARCH 2014

Global Transmission Report

Rehabilitating Afghanistans Power Sector

Focus on renewable energy and grid expansion

Focus on increasing energy access and security

ound economic policies and promotion of free trade

hree decades of conflict have greatly damaged

This highlights the need for the Colombian government to

The government has accorded top priority to the

Tanzanias Grid Expansion Plans

anzania is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Colombias Power Sector Plans (Contd...)

growth scenario. This translates to a compound annual growth

Power sector overview

Figure 1: Expected growth in electricity consumption in Colombia (GWh)

Source: Unidad de Planeacin Minero Energtica

Global Transmission Report | March 2014

Copey line; the 190 circuit km VirginiaNueva Esperanza line;

In terms of generation mix, in 2012, hydroelectric power

Colombia also has plans to develop new interconnections

Colombia also exports electricity to Venezuela and Ecuador

Grid expansion plans

Colombia is also involved in discussions with Bolivia, Chile,

Global Transmission Report | March 2014

Rehabilitating Afghanistans Power Sector

Afghan power sector

Afghanistan is estimated to have generated 915 GWh of

Power sector rehabilitation

Table 1: Transmission infrastructure in Afghanistan in 2012

Line length (km)

Transformer capacity (MVA)

Source: Afghan Energy Information Center; Global Transmission Research

Global Transmission Report | March 2014

Source: Asian Development Bank

The total peak demand in 2032 is expected to stand at around

enable the transfer of 300 MW of power from Turkmenistan.

Global Transmission Report | March 2014

Tanzanias Grid Expansion Plans (Contd...)

Table 1: Overview of Tanzanias power sector (as of 2012)

Tanzania had an installed generation capacity of 1,438 MW

Transmission lines (km)

Transformer capacity (MVA)

The country has a high voltage transformer capacity of

from Iringa via Mtera, Dodoma and Singida to Shinyanga.

It plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the

Key grid projects

Source: Global Transmission Research

TANESCO has also planned an interconnection project with

Global Transmission Report | March 2014

Table 2: List of key proposed transmission projects in Tanzania

BulyanhuluGeita transmission line project

GeitaNyakanazi transmission line

Backbone Transmission Investment Project

MorogoroHaleArusha transmission line project

Somangafungu to Kinyerezi transmission line

Makambako to Songea transmission line

Nyakanazi to Kigoma transmission line

Masaka to Mwanza transmission line

Mkuranga A to Mkuranga B transmission line

Mlandizi to Zinga transmission line

Wind project Sinigda

MtwaraSingida HVDC transmission project

Mtwara power plant