HVDC > HVDC References > Africa > Caprivi Link Interconnector
A 350 kV HVDC Light® system will stabilize two weak networks in Namibia and enable power trading in the expansive region of southern Africa.
The Namibian transmission system operator, NamPower, chose HVDC Light® to electrically connect the northeastern part of the country to central Namibia. The two networks are very weak and the HVDC Light® technology will help stabilize them.
ABB will build a 350 kV, 300 MW transmission link between Zambezi, close to the Zambian border in the region of Caprivi, and Gerus, some 970 km southwest in the central part of the country.
Gerus substation in the central part
of Namibia. Click for larger image | 
Zambezi substation in the Caprivi region. Click for larger image. |
| The HVDC Light® order is part of a greater scheme that includes a 970 km long DC overhead line, an upgrade of an existing AC overhead line from Gerus to Auas to 400 kV, the extension of the Gerus and Auas substations, and a new AC substation in Zambezi.
ABB is responsible for system engineering including design, supply and installation of the two converter stations and earth electrodes. |
This project extends the voltage for HVDC Light® to 350 kV and marks the first time the technology will be used for overhead transmission.
The system is scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2009, 26 months after order.
| Main data |  |
| Commissioning year: | 2009 |
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| Power rating: | 300 MW |
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| No. of poles: | 1 |
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| AC voltage: | Gerus: 400 kV
Zambezi: 330 kV |
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| DC voltage: | 350 kV |
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| Length of overhead DC line: | 970 km |
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| Main reason for choosing HVDC: | Long distance, weak networks |
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