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Capability Statement

TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION

THE
SNOWY
MOUNTAINS
ENGINEERING
SCHEME

OUR

HISTORY

SMECs origins date back to


the Snowy Mountains Scheme,
Australias largest infrastructure
project. The scheme was a
massive multi-purpose project
undertaken between 1949
and 1974, which involved the
construction of 16 major dams,
seven power stations, 145 km of
tunnels and 2,000 km of roads.

SMEC has been involved in the planning, design, and development of power
and energy systems around the world since the 1960s, and it continues to
expand its efforts into regions where inadequate power supplies are a
constraint to regional growth and development. Over this period SMEC has
been involved in the development of more than AU$20 billion in energy
infrastructure and has worked on some of the worlds most iconic projects.
SMECs services span the life-cycle of a project from resource assessment
through the planning, concept and detailed design, procurement an
construction management and commissioning of transmission systems,
substations and distribution networks ranging from low voltage to 765
kV. SMECs services in power and energy cover the following sectors:
Conventional Power Generation
Renewable Energy
Transmission and Distribution
As a multi-disciplinary consultancy, SMEC has the ability to combine highly
skilled resources to form integrated teams that are best suited to address a wide
range of engineering and environmental concerns that may arise throughout
the lifecycle of a project.
At its core, SMEC is a client-focused business providing practical solutions in
partnership with its clients to create lasting value. SMEC fosters an ingrained
safety culture and adheres to an integrated project management systems
which have been refined through 40 years of international experience and
lessons learned.

About SMEC
SMEC is a global multidisciplinary consultancy
company operating across
the Power and Energy,
Transportation, Resources,
Water and Environment,
Urban and Social
Development, Hydro Power
and Dam, and Building and
Industrial sectors.
More than 5,400 staff
Privately owned
Over 75 offices around
the world
Top 100 Global Design
Firms
Turnover AUD500 million
Client-focused
business
Consistently for many years,
SMEC has been ranked in
the annual survey listings of
Engineering News-Record
for leading international
design firms. In 2014, SMEC
was listed at No. 51 in the
Top 200 International
Design Firms and at No.
76 in the Top 150 Global
Design Firms.
SMECs focus is to provide
cost-effective, sustainable
solutions to utilities and
developers globally so that
they may maximise their
investment and provide a
reliable and secure power
supply to their customers.
SMECs long-standing
involvement in widespread
rural electrification and
grid interconnection
programmes has directly
contributed to an improved
standard of living for many
people living in rural and
remote communities
around the world.

Transmission and Distribution Services


SMECs team of power specialists offer a wide range of engineering services for all facets of
transmission and distribution projects. SMEC has extensive experience in undertaking substation
planning and design, power system studies, utility asset management, transmission line and cable
route development and engineering, generator connection assessments, protection coordination
and earthing design for systems ranging from EHV up to 765 kV to sub-transmission and
distribution (33 kV, 22 kV, 11 kV and SWER). SMECs experience in large scale project management,
construction management and procurement means that it can deliver with confidence your project
from conceptual stage through to commissioning.
SMEC has local engineering capabilities in
many developing countries. It is familiar with
areas where these transmission systems are
located, and understands that these areas can
sometimes present difficult environmental
constraints, high wind loadings, difficult soil
conditions, foundation problems, poor earth
resistivity and a high incidence of lightning.
SMEC fully appreciates the measures necessary
to overcome these problems, and has the
range of professional skills and experience
that enables it to develop an optimal design
solution to suit the local environment.
SMECs engineering design solutions are
customised for the needs of its client objectives
and specific site and geographical constraints.
SMEC supports clients delivering projects of
all sizes covering project management, design
consultancy, front-end engineering, and asset
management. The key support services include:
Owners Engineer and Specialist Technical
Advice
Independent Engineer / Reviewer
Design Subcontractor / Partner in D&C
Contracts
Engineering role in EPC Contracts
Project Management
Substation Design Services Capability
The design requirements of substations
have changed in recent years to include
environmental factors such as noise, visual
amenity and electromagnetic fields that have
to be considered in the design. Nowadays
there is also a strong need for power utilities
to adopt IEC 61580 standard for substation
automation.
SMECs power and energy substation design
services capability is based around a group of
highly experienced professionals who reside in
Australasia, South Africa, India and Malaysia but
coordinated locally in their activities to support
power industry clients across the globe.
The range of services typically offered by

SMECs global team includes:


Substation HV primary system
design
Substation HV secondary control
and protection system design,
including application of IEC 61850
and related design approaches
Substation civil/structural design
Design and planning of MV/LV
distribution systems
Landing span and gantry design
Substation automation systems
design
Communications and SCADA design
Earthing system design and analysis
Lightning protection design
Project delivery strategies, project
management and procurement
SMEC has the ability to address
these design aspects and incorporate
optimised solutions for its clients.
SMEC understands the increasing
challenges that its clients are faced with
the complexities of integrating new
technology and design approaches,
particularly within an operational
substation often with limited ability to
withdraw existing plant from service.
For electrical systems design, SMEC
engineers are familiar with technologies
and products for switchboards,
switchyards, GIS, transformers,
protection relays, cables, earthing
systems, SCADA, and communications.
Power System Studies and Analysis
Capability
SMECs team has extensive experience
in power systems analysis carried out
on systems ranging from small remote
area networks to large wide area
interconnected systems containing many
generation sources and transmission
lines. SMEC can draw on the AC and DC

systems expertise of engineers from its


operations in Australia, India, Africa and
Malaysia as required.
SMEC has access to a variety of power
system analysis software that allows it to
use client data directly from almost any
source. Specialist software includes:
PSS/E
ETAP
PSS/SINCAL
Alternative Transients Program (ATP)
Electromagnetic Transient Program
(EMTP)
PLS CADD
Load Flow Studies
Assessment of transmission/
distribution network adequacy and
interconnection issues
Fault level calculations/mitigations
Reactive power compensation
PV analysis for voltage stability
Dynamic Stability Studies
Fault ride through capability analysis
Transient voltage stability analysis
Angular stability analysis
Calculation of critical fault clearing
time
Load rejection
Electro Magnetic Transient Studies
Transient overvoltage resulting from
energisation and de-energisation of
capacitor banks
Switching overvoltage
Transient Recovery Overvoltage
(TRV)
Calculation of Rate of Rise of
Recovery Voltage (RRRV)
Transformer switching inrush
currents
Lightning induced overvoltage
resulting from back-flashover and

forward-flashover
DC converter station modelling
Harmonics analysis

In general, SMECs services include:


Power system study and planning
(steady state and dynamic analysis)
Development of network options
and costing
Insulation coordination studies
Lightning protection design and
analysis
Generator grid connection studies
and network capability assessment
Technical studies associated with
front-end engineering, feasibility
study and concept design
Specifications and settings for
electrical plant equipment
Fault level and reactive power
compensation analysis
Harmonic and resonance analysis
Switching transient overvoltage
studies
DC converter station modelling
Grid Development Planning Services
SMEC can provide grid planning services
to many utilities and project developers.
Our grid planning services include
development of network options,
costing of options, NPV analysis of
options, load forecasting, network
capability assessment, probabilistic
planning (energy at risk analysis) and
assessment of non-network solutions.
Generator Connection Assessments
SMEC can assist generator owners
and developers with technical power
system studies to support applications to
connect to the grid, and in assessing and
demonstrating compliance with technical
performance requirements imposed
on generators whether by legislation,
licence or connection agreement.

Transmission and Cable Route


Development and Engineering
SMECs team has extensive overhead
line experience involving technical
and environmental studies, route
assessments, design and engineering
for transmission and distribution
systems. SMEC has the capability to
design systems from transmission to
distribution voltages. SMEC is able to
combine a long-standing experience
in the relevant technical /engineering
fields with our strong capability in the
environmental, heritage and statutory
planning considerations that are an
integral part of route selection. SMECs
experience includes:
Route assessment
- Line parameter optimisation
- Community consultation
- Environmental and statutory
planning assessments
Tower and pole loadings and
structural design
Cable trench design and coverings
Sag/tension calculations and line
profiling
- Underground power distribution
and reticulation
Risk assessment and investment
appraisal analysis
Electrical design including noise,
EMFs
Thermo-mechanical influences
Specifications
Failure investigations
Installation supervision
The use of Power Line Systems PLS-CADD
and PLS-POLE software has allowed SMEC
to move to industry standard software for
transmission line design.
Energy Management
SMEC has experience in monitoring,
controlling and conserving energy in
commercial and industrial settings.

SMEC can meter energy consumption


and collect the data; find opportunities
to save energy; estimate how much
energy each opportunity could
save; take action to implement the
opportunities to save energy, i.e. tackling
the routine waste and replacing or
upgrading the inefficient equipment;
and track progress by analysing on-going
energy consumption. SMEC can provide:
System reliability and security
studies
Rural and urban electrification
programmes
Energy efficiency and advisory
services
Utility Asset Management
SMECs Asset Management function
provides extensive industry and
technical experience in delivering
optimal and sustainable productivity
improvements for clients operating in
asset intensive environments. SMECs
specialists are able to advise on the
wider facets of asset management,
which range from specific technical
aspects through to the development
of strategic documents for the
overall management of assets. These
specialised services include:
Asset life cycle management
Maintenance management
Supply chain integration
management
Reliability improvement
ERP system implementation
experience including SAP, Ellipse,
Pronto, Maximo, Oracle and
Learning and Development solutions
With a team of professional and
specialised consultants and support staff,
SMEC adds value through developing
and implementing sustainable Asset
Management business solutions for the
Power Utility Industry worldwide.

Supervision and Erection


Commissioning
SMEC can assist in the commissioning
process for substation projects. SMEC
can verify that the design meets the
needs and functions of the facility and
that the project performs as designed
and intended. SMECs service include:
Supervision of erection of all main
and ancillary plant equipment
Supervision of pre-commissioning
tests
Review of operation and
maintenance manuals
Planning of comprehensive
commissioning schedules
Witnessing or conducting
commissioning tests and tests on
completion
Distribution System Planning and
Design
SMEC carries out distribution system
planning and design and continually
explores the practical application of
advanced technologies to provide
innovative, cost-effective and appropriate
solutions. SMECs services include:
Distribution network computer
models
Geographic or spatial models
Load forecast
Evaluation and selection of mapping
systems
Application of non-geographic
models with various load flow
convergence algorithm options
Determination of optimum
substation location
Transformer load management
studies
Power factor correction, optimum
placement and sizing of capacitors
Distribution system reliability
evaluation
Establishment of optimum feeder
open point and conductor sizing
Overhead and cable feeder design

and route planning


Design of LV and MV aerial bundled
conductor feeders
Design of distribution substations
(indoor, outdoor, pole mounted,
single phase, etc)
Design of total distribution system,
preparation of specification
Layout design of indoor and outdoor
switchgear (HV and MV)
Fault calculation and selection of
protection schemes and protective
devices
Insulation coordination studies,
including protection against
lightning and switching surges
Harmonic analysis and suppression
methods
Motor starting analysis
Transformer tap settings
Long run marginal cost of supply
Determination of tariffs

Strategic Consulting and Advisory


SMECs team of multi-discipline
consultants has extensive experience
in providing advisory work for utilities,
system operators and regulatory
authorities in the electricity sector. The
following is a selection of the services
provided by SMEC:
Review of the asset replacement
requirements and strategies
Due diligence studies
Feasibility and justification of main
capital projects
Quality of supply and incentive
scheme
Business case preparation
Benchmarking
Review of grid codes and planning
standards
Tariff review of regulated
monopolies
Capital expenditure and operational
expenditure review for regulatory
price control

Transmission and Distribution Key Projects


SMECs capabilities in high, medium and low-voltage power transmission and distribution
have been developed and refined through extensive experience, research and development in
association with power utilities and government authorities worldwide. With a service offering
that spans the full spectrum of planning, engineering, management and supervision for the
development of transmission and distribution infrastructure (up to 765 kV), SMEC can deliver a
project from initial concept right through to commissioning. Some of the key transmission and
distribution projects of SMEC in Asia Pacific and around the world are as follows:

Missionary Electrification
Development Plan
Philippines
The Missionary Electrification
Development Plan (MEDP)
defined the strategies and
activities of the Philippine
Government to provide
electricity to areas not
connected to the main power
grid. Under the Electric Power
Industry Reform Act 2001,
the MEDP must be updated
annually. Past assessments
had indicated the availability
of renewable energy such
as hydropower, solar, wind
and biomass energy. SMEC
updated the MEDP 20052009 to cover the period
2007-2011 and included
renewable energy sources.
SMECs carried out planning
assignments, investment
and policy analysis and
promotional activities. It also
assisted the Energy Regulatory
Commission.

Java-Bali 500 kV
Transmission Line
Indonesia
This Asian Development
Bank (ADB)-funded project
will enhance the reliability
of power supply in Bali and
eastern Java. Construction
of the project is expeced
to commence in 2016 and
includes a 220 km double
circuit 500 kV transmission
line and associated
substations for transferring
power from the eastern Java
to the Bali power grid. One
key component provides for
a world-record 2.6 km single
span overhead crossing
across the Java-Bali Straits
with 370 m high towers each
side. SMEC assisted PLN with
a project review to confirm
technical aspects and cost
estimates; assisted with the
ADB fact-finding mission; and
contributed to the ADB loan
processing documentation.

Nabong 500 kV Substation


& Transmission Facility
Lao PDR
This ADB-funded project
comprised two components:
(i) acquisition from the Nam
Ngum 2 project developer
by Electricit du Laos (EdL)
of the existing Nabong 230
kV substation and 27 km
500 kV transmission line
to the Thai border; and (ii)
expansion of the Nabong
substation to include a 500
kV switchyard and 500/230
kV transformers. SMECs
services included a technical
review of the project; review
of tender documents and
cost estimates; assisting
with the ADB processing
documentation; coordination
of all reports to be submitted;
and capacity building
activities.

Port Moresby Power


Grid Development
Papua New Guinea
This project assisted PNG
Power Ltd. in the expansion
of its renewable energy
generation, plus the upgrade
and extension of the
transmission and distribution
grid in Port Moresby to
improve the reliability and
quality of power supply to
the main urban centre. The
project included: upgrading/
rehabilitating Rouna 1
and Sirinumu hydropower
plants; extending the grid
to 3,000 more households;
strengthening the distribution
network; construction of a
new Kilakila substation; and
upgrading existing substations.
SMEC assisted in the feasibility
study for substation and grid
upgrades, small hydropower
facilities and a loss reduction
plan to raise the efficiency of
the Port Moresby power grid.

Rural Electrification Project


Fiji
This project involved
optimising an extension of
the Fiji Electricity Authority
(FEA) power grid; providing
renewable energy supply
including micro-hydropower,
biomass, solar photovoltaic
and hybrid systems; and
installing some new dieselpower generation. SMEC
provided technical assistance
to establish the development
strategy and investment plan.
Services included: assessing
the social, institutional and
environmental aspects of
rural electrification; and
recommending development
strategies.

Provincial Power
Distribution Project
Thailand
This study strengthened the
operation of the Provincial
Electricity Authority of
Thailand by developing
and implementing
institutional improvement in
management. It included an
evaluation of practices for
distribution system planning;
operations and management;
and recommended
improvements including
management structure and
computerised management
systems. SMECs services
included: load forecasting as
well as an evaluation of the
electrical system and planning
and operating methods.

Town Electrification
Investment Program
PNG
This ADB-funded project
will improve power supply
in PNGs urban centres
through the replacement of
high-cost diesel power with
sustainable energy sources.
SMEC supported the PPL
Project Management Unit in
project management, design,
procurement, tendering,
supervision, and maintaining
compliance with ADB policies
and capacity building.
COnstruction of Divune 3
MW Hydropower Plant in Oro
Province, Ramazon 3 MW
Hydropower in Bouganville
and Lake Hargy hydropower
interconnection in West New
Britain will start in 2016.

Electricity Infrastructure
Development
PNG
This project assisted with
the National Electrification
Rollout Program
Implementation Plan for
PNGs target of universal
electricity access by
2030. SMEC provided the
preparatory work for the
diesel and hydro tariff pricing
review, being the basis of
negotiations with parties
impacted by the National
Electrification Project; survey
for subprojects; logistics
planning for the District
Services Improvement
Program power sector
projects; and biofuels
assessment and mechanism
recommendation.

Sabah Substation Detailed


Design Review
Malaysia
This project consists of
design, supply, installation
and commissioning of 132 kV
underground transmission
cables, 275 kV overhead
transmission lines and
275/132/11 kV substations.
As Owners Engineer, SMEC
provided detailed design
review services for six 275 kV
and 132 kV substations in the
state of Sabah in Malaysia.
This involved a review of
primary and secondary
protection and control and
supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA)
communication, and all
related ancillaries.

Power Transmission
Investment Program
Tranche 3
Vietnam
This ADB-financed project
addressed the capacity,
efficiency and reliability of
power transmission in areas
that are key to Vietnams
economic development. The
scope of the work was to
facilitate the identification
and due diligence work
of Electricity of Vietnams
transmission network
expansion subprojects as part
of Tranche 3. SMECs services
included the screening and
evaluation of 27 subprojects
comprising 500 kV and 230 kV
substations and transmission
lines located throughout
Vietnam.

Pergau Transmission Line


Malaysia
This project consists of a 600
MW underground power
station (4x150 MW vertical
Francis turbines); a 77 m high
earthfill dam; a power intake
and concrete and steel lined
pressure tunnel; a 24 km long
aqueduct with a number of
drop shafts for flow diversion;
8 km of 275 kV transmission
line; and 30 km of 33 kV
transmission line. SMECs
services included: a feasibility
study including hydrological,
survey, geotechnical and
environmental aspects;
power system studies; route
survey for overhead lines;
and conceptual design and
plant specifications.

Hong Kong Electricity


Technical Regulator
Hong Kong
SMEC was engaged by
Electrical and Mechanical
Services Department
(EMSD) to complete due
diligence of Hongkong
Electric Corporation (HEC)
and China Light & Power
(CLP). The two grids selfgenerate, are electrically
interconnected and have
limited import capacity from
Chinese Nuclear and Hydro
plants. SMEC undertook a
five-year development plan
(2014-2018), assessed HEC
and CLP capital planning
and completed a needs
assessment of the upgrade,
maintenance and expansion
works for all assets.

Power Grid Modernisation


(Phase 1)
Vietnam
Funded by KfW (a German
government-owned
development bank), this
project assisted EVNs
Northern, Southern and
Central Power Corporations
with significant investment
in the rehabilitation,
modernisation and extension
of their transmission and
distribution systems. SMECs
services included the
review of feasibility studies
for: the upgrade of 110
kV transmission lines and
substations; and the upgrade
of the MV and LV distribution
network. This review
covered technical, financial,
economic, environmental
and social aspects.

Power Distribution
Enhancement Program
Pakistan
The US$810 million
ADB-funded project
was implemented by
eight power distribution
companies (DISCOs), with
the Pakistan Electric Power
Company acting as the
Executing Agency. The scope
consisted of approximately
300 subprojects across
all voltage levels.
SMEC provided project
implementation and
management services
including finance
management, contracting,
and procurement, social and
environmental management
and capacity building of
DISCOs employees.

Power Transmission
Enhancement Investment
Pakistan
Pakistans transmission and
distribution system is heavily
loaded resulting in reduced
reliability and inadequate
capacity. The objective
of this ongoing Tranche 4
programme is to upgrade
and extend the network of
the National Transmission &
Despatch Company and to
address constraints in order
to expand the capacity and
coverage of the network.
SMECs project preparation
role includes preparation
of detailed engineering
documents; financial
and economic analysis;
and identification and
preparation of resettlement
and land acquisition plans.

Bayman Renewable
Energy Project
Afghanistan
The New Zealand
Governments Aid
Programme invested in the
development of a renewable
energy project in the
Bamyan area to construct
four photovoltaic arrays, one
grid tie photovoltaic array,
plus the associated power
transmission and distribution
systems connecting the solar
generation systems to 2,500
government, commercial
and household customers,
including the installation of
pre-pay meters. SMECs team
acted as owners engineer
to provide specialist advice
and construction supervision
services.

Energy Sector Development


Investment Program
Afghanistan
This project strengthens
the commercial, technical
and managerial functions
of the Afghani power utility
company, Da Afghanistan
Breshna Sherkat (DABS)
by building new 220 kV
transmission lines, 220/20
kV substations and 20
kV distribution networks
to provide electricity to
residential, commercial
and industrial users. SMEC,
as Owners Engineer, is
advising DABS on project
implementation, assisting with
bid evaluation and contract
negotiations, and supervising
works commissioning.

Regional Power
Interconnection Project
Afghanistan and Tajikistan
This project provided for the
export of surplus power via
an interconnected 220 kV
transmission grid between
the two countries. The main
objective was to ensure
the grids most efficient,
timely, and economical
implementation. SMEC
undertook pre-construction
activities and assisted with
the tendering award process
and project implementation.
Services included: bid
evaluation; preparation of
project implementation
manual; design review;
and documentation for the
works.

Isolux Power Project


India
This project includes
the construction of 13
transmission lines (400 kV
and 756 kV) with a total
length of 1,500 km and five
AIS and GIS substations (765
kV AIS Mainpuri; 400 kV GIS
Allhabad; 400 kV AIS Gonda;
400 kV GIS Lucknow; and 400
kV AIS, Aurai). The objective
of this project is to transmit
power from several power
stations and strengthen the
power grid in Uttar Pradesh.
SMEC, as Owners Engineer,
was engaged by ISOLUX to
provide project management
and construction supervision
of the 765 kV AIS Mainpuri
and associated schemes.

Uttarakhand Power Sector


Investment Program
India
The objectives of the
Uttarakhand Power Sector
Improvement Program were
to meet the growing demand
for power supply in the north
Indian state and to ensure
environmental and social
safeguards were according to
environmental management
plans. The project included
four small hydropower
projects, three 400 kV and
two 220 kV transmission lines
and two 400 kV substations.
SMECs services included:
design; engineering; project
management; project
monitoring; and construction
supervision.

Bihar Power Project


India
The State of Bihar has the
lowest energy access rate
in India. The intra-state
transmission and distribution
network is inadequate and
needs strengthening to supply
electricity in Bihar. SMEC is
part of a team responsible
for upgrading dilapidated
transmission lines and
constructing new grids and
substations. The project also
includes setting up a Project
Monitoring Unit to support
the Department of Energy and
Bihar State Power Transmission
Company Limited. Services
include project monitoring;
procurement standardisation;
capacity building and
employee training.

Assam Power Sector


Development Project
India
The Assam State Electricity
Board carried out transmission
and distribution network
system expansions and
upgrades in Assam as part
of the ADB-funded Assam
Power Sector Enhancement
Investment Program. This
would facilitate increased
power transfers; strengthen
power transmission capacity;
improve access to electricity;
enhance the quality of
power supply; reduce
greenhouse gas emissions;
and ensure the power
sectors financial health.
SMECs services included:
project implementation and
construction supervision.

Rural Electrification Upgrade


Bangladesh
Funded by Japan
International Cooperation
Agency, this project aimed
to improve the quality and
reliability of the local power
supply and reduce technical
losses in 33 rural electric
cooperatives in western
Bangladesh. The project
included the installation and
augmentation of eighty 33
kV and 11 kV substations
and the construction and
upgrade of 5,184 km of 33 kV
and 11 kV distribution lines.
SMECs services included:
procurement support to the
client; engineering design;
construction supervision; and
overall project management.

National Load Despatch


Centre
Bangladesh
The outcome of this project
for the Power Grid Company
of Bangladesh was a new
National Load Despatch
Center in Dhaka, with SCADA
connection to all power
stations and grid substations
in the country. The
communications component
included the installation of
over 2,000 km of optical
ground wire fibre optic cable
on the 230 kV and 132 kV
transmission network.SMEC
was one of the joint venture
partners which provided the
bid evaluation and contract
negotiation; detailed design
review; and construction
supervision.

High Voltage Distribution


System Upgrade
Tanzania
The Tanzania Electric Supply
Companys (TANESCO)
distribution system in Dar
es Salaam was experiencing
overloading, frequent
outages, high losses, and
low and fluctuating voltage
conditions. TANESCO
implemented a pilot program
to upgrade the voltage
distribution system. SMECs
services included: appraisal
of the existing system; field
investigations and desktop
studies; development of
energy and demand forecasts;
development of computer
models; and preparation of
conceptual designs.

Pecanwood Golf Estate


Electrical Reticulation
South Africa
This project comprised
underground reticulation
from the main 11 kV
Tshwane Council substation
(within the Pecanwood Golf
Estate) to various 315 kV
mini-substations as well as
low-voltage underground
cabling from the 315 kV minisubstations to the low-voltage
distribution kiosks. SMEC
designed external and internal
electrical reticulation for a
number of new extensions
within the Pecanwood Golf
Estate including club house
extensions, sewerage works,
and the main gate security
system.

Karuma Interconnection
Project
Uganda
Uganda is implementing
the Karuma Interconnection
Project which will generate
700 MW. Transmission lines
need to transmit the generated
power to load centres in
Uganda. This project involves
detailed studies of alternative
transmission lines at 400
kV, 132 kV and 33 kV levels.
SMEC provided feasibility
studies for the transmission
lines including voltage and
conductor selection; field and
geotechnical surveys; detailed
designs; and preparation
of environmental impact
assessments and financial
analyses.

Orapa Transmission
Substation
Botswana
The Debswana Diamond
Companys new developments
at Orapa Mine in Botswana
resulted in the need for
more power supply. The
expansion comprised the
design, supply, installation,
testing and commissioning
of a new 40 MVA 220/33 kV
power transformer; and a new
reactive power compensation
bank connected to the main
Debswana 33 kV switchboard.
The Botswana Power
Corporation engaged SMEC to
provide detailed plant designs;
contractor management; site
supervision; commissioning;
and project management.

Chobe District Transmission


Grid Connection
Botswana
Botswanas national electricity
transmission grid covers the
north to south corridor in the
eastern part of the country.
Some major areas outside
this corridor do not have
access to the national grid.
The objective of this project
was to connect 350 MW of
new mining, agricultural and
industrial loads through the
400 kV national transmission
grid. SMECs role included
the preliminary transmission
line route selection;
comprehensive power
system analysis for line route
optimisation and substation
design; and preliminary basic
design and cost estimates.

Mogalakwena Electricity
Improvements
South Africa
SMEC investigated
electrification options for
the Mogalakwena Municipal
area, in the Limpopo
Province, for the provision
of power to over 1,400
households in 17 villages.
SMECs energy services
extend through all stages of
project delivery and includes:
feasibility studies; frontend
engineering; modelling and
analysis; engineering design;
procurement; contract
management; construction
supervision; quality
assurance; and operation and
maintenance.

Aboadze-Volta Transmission
Line Project
Ghana
SMEC undertook project
management for the
Volta River Authority for
the construction of a 215
km single circuit 330 kV
transmission line between
Aboadze and Volta and
associated 330/161 kV
substation extensions at each
end. The project also included
provision of commuincation
systems. SMECs services
included: review of tender
documents; evaluation of
tenders; factory audits and
inspections; quality assurance
procedures; and review of
the contractors engineering
designs, specifications and
drawings.

Water Utilities Corporation


Energy Efficiency Audit
Botswana
SMEC was commissioned
to undertake an energy
efficiency audit of 29 Water
Utilities Corporation (WUC)
installations including
treatment plants, pump
stations and offices. The
purpose of the audit was to
establish baseline energy
usage data and to identify
opportunities for energy and
cost savings in keeping with
WUCs strategic objective of
reducing energy consumption
by at least 10% at all
installations. SMECs services
included an audit of operating
systems and provision of
recommendations for optimal
pumping regimes.

Infrastructure Services
(Electricity Component)
Malawi
Malawi received a World
Bank grant to improve the
infrastructure in market centres
and surrounding regions in
five selected corridors. The
project focused on water and
sanitation; roads; electricity
and telecommunications;
and capacity building.
SMEC provided design and
construction supervision. This
involved the construction of
power lines; and the required
works for 33 kV and 11 kV
lines, distribution transformers,
low voltage (400/230 V)
distribution network and
wiring and installation of
meters in public institutions.

Nkenda, Fort Portal, Hoima


220 kV Transmission Line
Uganda
This project will provide
adequate transmission
infrastructures to improve
the quality of power supply
and meet the energy needs
of Uganda. Uganda Electricity
Transmission Company
plans to extend the power
grid to transmit 300 MW
from the proposed 220/33
kV Hoima substation to the
proposed 220/132 kV Nkenda
substation. SMECs services
included: review of feasibility
and power system studies;
completion of new power
system studies; geotechnical
assessments; preliminary
designs; and quantity surveys.

Phomolong Substation
South Africa
This project is part of the
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan
Municipalitys commitment
to promote growth and
development in Ekurhuleni
in order to accelerate job
creation and reduce poverty.
The Phomolong 88/11
KV Substation will supply
40 MVA of power to new
developments in Chloorkop,
located in the East Rand
region of Gauteng, including
a major manufacturing
facility and Industrial Park.
SMECs services include:
preliminary and detailed
design; procurement support;
construction management
and site supervision.

Matambo Substation
Extension
Mozambique
Electricidade de Mozambique
is increasing the capacity
of the Matambo 220 kV
Substation in Tete province
to meet the growing power
demand from central and
northern Mozambique. SMEC
will undertake supervision and
commissioning for the design,
supply and installation of the
200 kV extension. Services
include: engineering services;
contract administration and
management; review and
approval of construction
drawings; supervision of
manufacture and factory
tests; site supervision up to
commissioning.

Bujagali 200 kV Switchyard


Upgrade
Uganda
This is part of the Nile Basin
Initiative (NBI) to interconnect
the electricity grids to improve
the availability, reliability
and quality of electricity.
The objective is to provide
adequate transmission
capacity for the power
evacuation from the 250
MW Bujagali Hydropower
station to distribution firms
and large customers in
Kampala and the south-west
and west of Uganda. SMEC
was engaged to: review and
update feasibility studies,
infrastructure designs, tender
drawings, communications
and control protocols and
SCADA infrastructure.

Energy Access Scale-Up


Program
Kenya
In accordance with the Kenyan
Governments Vision 2030
Statement, Kenya Power and
Lighting Company (KPLC)
aimed to strengthen its 132 kV
transmission and distribution
network. KPLC identified
four priority projects for
possible implementation and
funding. These were 445 km
of new 132 kV lines, four new
substations, optimisation
of 600 km of existing 33 kV
lines and related system
interconnections. SMEC
carried out feasibility studies,
prepared conceptual designs,
technical specifications and
draft bid documents for the
proposed sub-projects.

Power Transmission System


Improvement Project
Kenya
Funded by the African
Development Bank and the
Government of Kenya, this
project aimed to strengthen
Kenyas transmission network
through the construction of
132 kV transmission lines and
installation of 132/33 kV substations, which raised voltage
levels and power reliability.
SMECs services included:
design review; preparation of
bid documents; procurement
management; quality
assurance; implementation
of environmental and social
impact management plans;
resettlement action plans;
and construction supervision
and management.

Rural Electrification Upgrade


Mozambique
SMEC designed 270 km of
33 kV transmission lines in
the Sofala, Manica and Tete
Provinces (as part of a design
and construct contract).
The projects scope of work
included: conventional power
line designs and bridge
crossings; T-structures; stay
structures; transformer pole
structures; and isolating links.
SMEC used the PLS-Pole
software program (a program
used to perform design
checks of structures under
user specified loads and
calculate maximum allowable
wind and weight spans) to
assist in profiling the line
catenaries and determine
minimum clearances.

Griffin Substation
Queensland, Australia
The project involved the
construction of a 110/33
kV bulk supply substation,
situated in a sensitive lowlying wetlands area containing
acid sulphate soils. The
design services included site
access, earthworks, drainage
and hydraulics, road works,
fence enclosure, structural
foundations for electrical
plant items and installation
of electrical conduits. SMECs
services included: delivery of
the Issue For Construction
civil design package,
preparation of flood studies,
geotechnical review, design
and drafting of structural
foundations, and earthworks.

Kemps Creek Substation


New South Wales, Australia
The project provided for
the replacement of all
the protection panels at
Kemps Creek substation
for Integral Energy, the
operator of the substation.
SMECs services included
provision of secondary design
services for the project,
preparation of detailed
protection and control,
schematic diagrams for
various panels, preparation
of high voltage equipment
connections, preparation of
general panel drawings for
SCADA, metering, AC&DC and
auxiliary switch boards.

Implementation Supervision
for Power Transmission and
Distribution
Afghanistan
SMEC was contracted by the
Government of Afghanistan
under ADB funding to assist
with the development of: 118
km of 110 kV transmission
lines, four 110/20 kV
substations and one 220/20
kV substations in the Northern
Zone; plus development
of 20 kV and 400/230 V
distribution networks in
the Eastern Zone. SMECs
services included project
and contract management;
supervision of commissioning;
social and environment
impact assessments; and
resettlement planning.

Polokwane Electricity
Infrastructure
South Africa
Polokwane Municipality
urgently needed to upgrade
and strengthen its high voltage
electricity network as well as
expand the network to service
areas under development.
SMECs scope included
planning of the high voltage
network in order to increase
capacity to substations and
overhead lines; establishing
and maintaining adequate
service levels on the network;
and expansion of the
electricity infrastructure to
serve new development areas.
SMEC has been appointed to
assist with the feasibility study
of electrical infrastructure.

CONTACT US
Mr. Cheng Lee
General Manager
Power & Energy
Asia Pacific
T: +60 11 3325 0838
E: cheng.lee@smec.com
www.smec.com

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