- Under Sewedy Electric T&D management, ABB enables North Cairo Electricity Distribution Company to enhance grid reliability and extend protection functionality with power quality analysis
- Now available to the Egyptian market, GIS SafePlus Digital switchgear improves quality of power supply facilitating up to 20% less power outages, for utilities and consumers
As part of the Egyptian Government’s 2030 vision to restructure the electricity sector and utilize modern and advanced technology to enhance energy solutions, cities such as Cairo will now benefit from the Government’s plans to upgrade the installed capacity of existing power plants. This will include the rehabilitation of equipment and the maintenance provision for grids.
These plans are supported by a 240MUSD loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to develop Egypt’s electricity sector, raising the energy efficiency of the grid using high-end digital solutions to monitor and control peaks and flows in the network.
ABB was awarded a contract for the supply of Gas Insulated Compact Switchgear, GIS SafePlus Digital. Introduced for the first time in Egypt by North Cairo Electricity Distribution Company (NCED) to enhance power supply and operations, the GIS SafePlus Digital switchgear has a unique flexibility due to its future proof design and combination of fully modular and semi-modular configurations. Additionally, a sealed system contains all live parts and switching functions, ensuring a high level of reliability as well as personnel safety and a virtually maintenance-free system.
Through built-in digital capabilities, utilities can connect directly with city operation centers and with data and diagnostics, can provide immediate action and remote monitoring of grids. This will reduce downtime with less maintenance, fewer shutdowns and system failures, and lower cost of ownership with smart, safe and sustainable solutions. By modernizing the infrastructure management system, introducing advanced metering infrastructure it is anticipated that power outages in North Cairo will be reduced by 20%.
“Owing to a productive collaboration between our teams in Egypt and Norway, ABB’s GIS SafePlus Digital will pave the way for introducing advanced infrastructure into the Egyptian market. Thanks to its innovative design, including advanced RMU Automation solutions with integrated current and voltage sensors, we can raise the efficiency of power distribution systems, reduce losses and down time, improve service quality, and finally transform the electricity distribution network into a ‘smart’ network’” said Mohamed Salah, Product Marketing Director Egypt, ABB’s Distribution Solutions division.
In addition to its small footprint and low physical weight, SafePlus Digital combines design flexibility, proficiency and the most modern production technology, which guarantees revolutionary product reliability and durability. Manufactured in Norway, SafeRing / SafePlus, ABB’s secondary Gas Insulated Switchgear, has a strong installed base of more than 2 million units functions installed in the distribution networks of more than 100 countries. The design supports a lifespan exceeding 30 years under indoor service conditions. SafePlus meets high environmental standards including the ISO 14001 certification and recycling capability up to 95%, helping utilities and infrastructure meet growing net zero legislation.
“With its compact, extendable design and enhanced short circuit capabilities, SafePlus is tailor-made for any installation that requires reliable, efficient, and safe solutions. We are proud to be helping our customers make the best technical choices with the best design and highest level of safety and reliability”, said Giuseppe Arnetti, Global Product Marketing Manager Secondary GIS. “ABB SafePlus Digital will enable smarter and greener electrical networks in Egypt.”
Carried out by El Sewedy, one of Egypt’s and the regional most renowned EPCs, this project demonstrates the Egyptian Leadership’s willingness to continue to work closely with private sector technology leaders to improve people's lives through projects in energy sector for comprehensive and sustainable development.
“ABB’s smart solutions optimize the operation of the grid, supporting the government’s ambitious goals to expand the use of renewable energy and integrate it more widely which will undoubtedly lead to the modernization of the complete electricity infrastructure in Egypt”, pointed out Medhat Maher, CEO – El Sewedy T&D.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
