Actom wins bid to supply high-voltage equipment for Selebi-Phikwe solar plant project

BOTSWANA – ACTOM High Voltage Equipment, a manufacturer and supplier of electro-mechanical equipment in Southern Africa, has secured a contract to furnish high-voltage equipment for the Selebi-Phikwe Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant, presently under construction in Botswana.

This 120MW solar photovoltaic facility is a joint venture between the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) and SCATEC, a Norwegian firm specializing in renewable energy systems.

Casbah Zwane, Divisional Chief Executive Officer at ACTOM High Voltage Equipment, elucidates that the company responded effectively to a request for proposals last year and finalized the contract in late November for phase 1 of the project, entailing the installation of 60MW of solar power capacity at the plant.

“The scope of our contract entails supplying and delivering the complete range of 220kV high-voltage equipment for the grid connection segment of the project, where solar-generated power will be stepped up and integrated into BPC’s electricity network,” he explains.

Upon completion, the solar plant is projected to generate sufficient clean energy to supply 20,000 households and offset 48,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, marking a significant stride in Botswana’s transition to green energy.

Zwane reveals that ACTOM High Voltage Equipment will procure the equipment from its international technology partners in Spain, India, and China, as this specialized voltage equipment is not domestically manufactured.

Manufacturing of these components has already commenced and is expected to be delivered to the project site by the end of September 2024.

“By leveraging our global technology partners, we have demonstrated our ability to diversify our supply chain to meet the requirements of the current energy landscape. With a diverse network and manufacturing options, we possess the capability to deliver beyond our South African factories,” he asserts.

Zwane underscores that one of ACTOM High Voltage Equipment’s primary competitive advantages, which aided in securing the contract, is its ability to supply these components within the project’s stringent timelines.

“This aspect provided us with a competitive edge over our competitors, surpassing even pricing considerations. We have illustrated that, if necessary, we can leverage our various factories within our global network to meet demand,” he notes.

Anticipating phase 2, following the completion of the initial phase, ACTOM is optimistic about securing a similar contract for the remaining 60MW capacity at the solar farm.

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