NamPower has commissioned the Sekelduin 132/66/33 kV substation near Swakopmund, Namibia, with ACTOM serving as the main supplier, EPC contractor and systems integrator on the project.
The N$394 million facility is described by ACTOM as Africa’s first fully digital substation, incorporating process bus and station bus architectures aligned with IEC 61850 standards, fibre-optic communications and a hybrid AIS/GIS configuration. The design enables real-time monitoring, remote control of switching operations and predictive maintenance capabilities.
According to ACTOM High Voltage Equipment CEO Casbah Zwane, operators are able to monitor live data and control switching remotely, reducing the need for physical intervention while enhancing operational safety.
The digital infrastructure has been developed to support future data-driven applications, including advanced analytics and machine learning tools. Project manager Phuluso Mnisi said the system allows maintenance to shift from reactive to preventative approaches, improving reliability and reducing downtime.
Sekelduin provides a new feed into Namibia’s coastal network and is intended to support future load growth along the Erongo corridor. The compact indoor AIS/GIS and metal-enclosed GIS configurations were selected to optimise space and protect equipment from harsh coastal and desert conditions.
