Transformer to help power Africa

The benefits of these transformers include robustness, flexibility and reliability provided to the power supply system. More immediately, these transformers are urgently needed to help minimise the current energy shortage in the region and expand the on-going emergency investments for the generation of complimentary power supply. This will contribute directly to the development of the local economy.

With a power rating of 500,000kVA and voltage class of 400,000V, these transformers are regarded as the largest ever produced by WEG. The first unit is scheduled to ship early April 2021 and the second in May, ahead of the agreed contractual terms. The transit time from the factory in Brazil to the final destination in Africa is estimated to be 60 days. 

In addition to holding manufacturing operations for other products in the African continent, WEG is also present locally with two transformer factories. Both located near Johannesburg, South Africa, which produce and supply the local market with 145kV voltage class transformers. 

‘‘WEG strengthens its position in the local market with the on-time delivery of these 500 MVA transformers, which is necessary to minimise the shortage of power supply in the region,’’ said Jan-Frederik Viljoen, Director of WEG Transformers Africa.

‘‘The entire supply, which counted on the cooperation of our South African team, reinforces WEG's commitment to the development of our employees and the interaction of competences, as well as to the development of the country.”