Client: Mphepo Power Ltd
Project location: Zambia
Principal Development type: Wind Farm
Sector: Renewables
Project Dates: 2020
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
TNEI was appointed to perform a grid impact study for Mphepo Power’s 200 MW Unika I wind farm development in Zambia. The aim of this study was to provide full assurance to the national utility, ZESCO, that the wind farm will not negatively affect the stability and security of the ZESCO grid.
The client required an investigation into the possible connection options in the vicinity of the wind farm site. Load flow and stability had to be conducted in line with the requirements from ZESCO.
SERVICES PROVIDED
TNEI engaged with ZESCO to develop a detailed study methodology and presented it in-country to ZESCO in February 2020.
After the acceptance of the study methodology, TNEI performed steady state and dynamic network studies, using present day and future network case files (provided by ZESCO) which TNEI converted from PSS/E into DIgSILENT PowerFactory at the Client’s request. Costing and concept design drawings were prepared for the developer. The assignment culminated in a feedback workshop with ZESCO and acceptance of our TNEI grid impact study report.
TNEI worked with an associate Mr Julius Kampamba as interface with ZESCO. Mr Julius assisted with technical discussions and obtained clarification questions from ZESCO.
BENEFITS DELIVERED
TNEI’s study methodology ensured that ZESCO expectations were met but also played an important role in the way the studies were conducted before the work commenced to avoid scope creep.
TNEI performed the studies in a phased approach first focussing on the static studies. After the static studies were reviewed by ZESCO, TNEI commenced with the detailed stability studies.
In addition to the stability studies, TNEI also performed additional dynamic control studies to show ZESCO what they could expect from a wind farm in terms of active and reactive power control, given that they currently do not have an operational wind farm in Zambia. This also assisted ZESCO as they are in the process of developing a renewable grid code for the country in conjunction with the ERB.
The static and dynamic studies were accepted by ZESCO. The client can now move forward with the commercial discussions with the Zambian Ministry of Energy and ZESCO.
