Alstom Grid wins contract to reinforce Ethiopias expanding electricity network

Alstom Grid, the global expert in electrical grid performance, has been awarded a 36 million contract by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) as part of the countrys Electricity Transmission System Improvement Project (ETSIP). This project, backed by the African Development Bank, is part of a national plan to strengthen Ethiopias growing transmission network, meeting increasing energy needs while supporting fast-paced development and contributing to the reduction of poverty.

Alstom Grid will be responsible for delivering two greenfield air-insulated switchgear (AIS) substations, as well as the extension and refurbishment of nine existing AIS substations, with voltage levels ranging from 66 kV to 230 kV, located between Addis Ababa and the South-Sudanese border.

In all, the project will allow the network to handle greater electrical loads, including the integration of renewable energy sources, with increased reliability and efficiency. Over the last three years, Ethiopia has substantially increased its electricity production capacity to 2000 MW. Plans are underway to raise that number to 10,000 MW with greater reliance on hydro and wind power. Targets include increasing access to electricity from 41% to 75% of the population within the next five years.

With over 20 years of experience in Ethiopia, Alstom Grid is committed to supporting the nations sustainable energy plans. Recent partnerships include the Ashegoda Wind Farm Substation, to be completed in the next few weeks.

Jean-Pierre Faure, Regional Vice-President Western Europe and Africa for Alstom Grid, declared: This contract places Alstom Grid in a great position to respond to Ethiopias electricity needs. By modernising and reinforcing the transmission network, Alstom will be facilitating the regional integration of the country within the East Africa Power Pool, strengthening their ability to export CO2-free electricity to neighbouring countries.

Completion will take place at the different sites between June and October 2013.

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 92,000 people in 100 countries and had sales of 20.9 billion in 2010/11.

Alstom Grid has over 100 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to its customers projects. Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of more than 4 billion. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide.

At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chainfrom power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.

Press contacts

Emmanuelle Helleux: emmanuelle.helleux@alstom.com / Tel: +33 1 49 01 70 87

Aline Besselièvre: aline.besselievre@alstom.com / Tel: + 33 1 49 01 69 04

Website www.alstom.com - www.alstom.com/grid