Our scope of services included feasibility studies, conceptual design, tender preparation and evaluation, contract management, construction monitoring during civil works, electrical installation, commissioning and setting to work, project management, verifying and issuing payment certificates, contract administration, client liaison as well as technical support.
Key facts
- 220kV and 66kV substations were extended at Francistown, Hydromet and Phoenix to supply the Tati nickel mine. The extension of the Phokoje 400kV substation was key to the project.
- Phokoje substation is a 400/220kV substation, built to increase electrical supply in northern Botswana. It is connected through tee-off from the 400kV link from Matimba power station in South Africa to Insukamini power station in Zimbabwe.
- At the time of construction, Phokoje substation was the only 400kV station to be engineered independently from the local utility (Eskom).
- We undertook a feasibility study through to the design and handover of Phokoje substation and its eventual extension to cater the Tati nickel expansion.
Challenges
Phokoje is the largest substation supplying electricity to northern Botswana. Any and all down-time experienced during construction causes a major effect on the supply, interrupting service to customers.
Solutions
Our experience demonstrated due care during the design and commissioning stages of the project, minimising down-time.
Value and benefits
- Security of supply to Francistown was enhanced.
- Capacity to supply power to the Tata nickel mine was increased substantially.