Chirano / Wassa / Edikan 161kV Substations EPC Delivery in Ghana

ZHM has successfully completed the full EPC delivery of three 161kV step‑up transmission substations for gas‑fired power generation projects in Ghana: GP‑Chirano, GP‑Wassa, and GP‑Edikan. This turnkey solution covers detailed engineering, fabrication, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of complete 11kV/161kV air‑insulated substation systems, enabling stable power export to the Ghana national grid operated by GRIDCo.

As a specialized EPC contractor for high‑voltage transmission and distribution infrastructure, ZHM provided end‑to‑end technical execution under international and local standards including IEC, IEEE, GB, DL, and Ghana Grid Code requirements. The three substations are designed to step up generator voltage from 11kV/11.5kV to 161kV for grid interconnection, supporting reliable power transmission for industrial and mining load centers in Western and Central Ghana.

Core Technical Scope & Highlights

The project scope integrates primary equipment, secondary control systems, structural steelworks, cabling, earthing, and auxiliary systems into a unified operational substation.

✪161kV AIS Equipment

SF6 circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches, capacitive voltage transformers (CVT), current transformers (CT), metal‑oxide surge arresters, and aluminum tubular busbars. All equipment complies with IEC 62271, IEC 61869, and IEC 60099 performance standards.

✪Main Power Transformers

66/80MVA ONAN/ONAF oil‑immersed step‑up transformers (161kV/11.5kV, YNd11 vector group). ZHM performed unloading, positioning, oil treatment, bushing connections, control wiring, and commissioning tests with manufacturer supervision.

✪11kV Medium Voltage System

Indoor withdrawable switchgear, 250kVA grounding/auxiliary transformers, neutral grounding resistor (NGR) cabinets, and insulated tubular busbars for generator bus connections.

✪Substation Automation & Protection

Fully digital SAS/SCADA system based on IEC 61850 communication architecture, including bay control units, line and transformer protection relays, busbar protection, fault recording, energy metering, and GPS time synchronization.

✪Steel Structure & Gantry Systems

Hot‑dip galvanized (HDG) support structures, 161kV outgoing line gantries, busbar frameworks, and equipment supports designed per GB 50017 and wind load requirements for tropical climates.

✪Earthing & Lightning Protection

Main grounding grid with copper‑clad steel electrodes, exothermic welding, and soil resistance improvement agents. Target grounding resistance ≤0.5Ω achieved at all sites in compliance with IEEE 80 and IEC 62305.

✪Cable Management System

HDG cable trays, power cables, control cables, fiber‑optic links, cable terminations, and fireproof penetration sealing.

✪Auxiliary & Safety Systems

DC power supply (125V battery and charger), UPS, HVAC, lighting, CCTV security, fire detection and FM‑200 clean agent suppression, and PLC power‑line carrier communication systems.

Engineering, Installation & Commissioning

ZHM managed the full project cycle with strict quality and safety controls:

✔Detailed design including single‑line diagrams, layout drawings, structural calculations, short‑circuit analysis, and protection coordination.
✔Factory fabrication and FAT of steel structures and key electrical components.
✔On‑site installation including steel erection, equipment alignment, cable pulling, termination, and wiring.
✔Comprehensive pre‑energization tests: insulation resistance, contact resistance, CT/PT ratio and polarity, relay secondary injection, and grounding resistance measurement.

✔Supervised energization, transformer load testing, and 72‑hour continuous reliability trial prior to final handover.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

All works follow an ISO 9001 quality management system with full inspection and test plans (ITP) covering civil interface acceptance, steel erection, equipment installation, and commissioning. Non‑conformances are tracked and closed systematically. The project meets GRIDCo grid connection standards, Ghana Energy Commission regulations, and environmental protection requirements.

Project Value

This EPC delivery demonstrates ZHM’s capability to execute complex high‑voltage substation projects in overseas emerging markets. The three operational substations improve grid stability, enhance power supply reliability for industrial consumers, and support Ghana’s long‑term energy infrastructure development.

ZHM remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost‑effective EPC solutions for global power transmission and distribution clients.

1 3D BIM Model Wassa 161kV Substations

2 Chirano Substation Gantry Frame Inlet Outlet Conduct

3 Wassa Substation Gantry Truss PT Lighting Arrester

4 Chirano Power Plant Substation Bird View

5 Edican Sub Station Interconnection Existing 161kV

7 Bus bar Bay Gantry Frameworks

8 Pipe type Bus Bar Factory Production Inspection

9 Tube Bus Bar Container Loadings Delivery

10 Wassa Substation Layout Plan Drawing

11 Prefabricated Busbar Junction Box Air Box

12 Transformer 3P Oil Immersed Outdoor Step Up Onan Onaf

13 LV Tubular Bus Bar From Power Plant Substation

14 HV Tubular Bus Bar Supporting Insulators

15 Prefabricated High Voltage 161kV Air Insulated Swithgear AIS

16 Telecommunication Equipment PLC System

17 Illumination Lighting System Distribution Board

18 Substation BIM Modeling Wassa LV Power Cable Edican Busbar

19 Substation Prefabricated Steel Structures Container Loading

20 Wassa Chirano Substation Foundation Preparation

21 Gantry Frame Insulator Hardwares Erection

22 Busbar Support Structures Gantry Frames

23 Disconnector Earth Swith SGS Inspection

24 Lighting Surging Arrester Installation

25 Substation Grounding System Cad welding Material Preparation

26 Lighting Prection Tower Polyn Pole System SPD

27 Communication Equipment ABB FOX615 CPU Power STM GE Electric Panels

28 5000A Prefabricated Containerized Breakers

29 Secondary System UPS DC Panel DCS Cabinets

30 Conduct Cable Delivery

31 Insulators Clamps Hardwares Delivery Container Loading

32 Substation Steel Structures Container Loadings

Why ZHM Huawu Metal 161kV Substation Constructions ?

Reliable and Customized Designs	Cutting Edge Designing Process	Free Online Price System	Easy Bolt-by-number Assembly
Over Two Decades of Experience	Value For Money	Unmatched in Quality and Craftmanship	Excellent Customer Service

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HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

ZHM’s world-class team — together with our raw material suppliers and subcontractors — works to solve your most challenging design, engineering, farbrication or construction issues.

Contact ZHM by telephone at +86 135-8815-1981 (wechat and whatsapp) or send us your questions via email to info@zhmsteelworks.com