GRIDCo has completed the construction and final tie-in of the 161kV Yendi Solar transmission line to the existing 161kV Tamale–Yendi transmission network, marking an important step in strengthening the National Interconnected Transmission System and supporting Renewable Energy Integration. This feat could not have been achieved without the immense support received from the GRIDCo Chief Executive and Management who contributed in diverse ways to ensure a successful project completion.
Of particular significance is the fact that the transmission line project was executed entirely in-house by GRIDCo’s maintenance and technical workforce, bringing together the expertise of the Line Maintenance; Electrical Maintenance; Protection and Control (P&C); SCADA & Communication and Engineering teams.
The project was led and coordinated by Ing. Wisdom Adenyo, Project Team Leader, who provided overall coordination across the various teams throughout the construction, installation, testing and commissioning phases.
The project involved the successful execution of several critical construction, testing, installation and commissioning activities, including:
● Assembling and erection of fifteen (15) transmission towers, including the
fabrication and installation of missing members.
● Stringing, tensioning and sagging of conductors and earth wires.
● Earth resistance testing of all fifteen (15) transmission towers.
● Continuity and insulation resistance testing of the 4 km transmission line.
● Erection of substation gantries and structural supports.
● Installation and interconnection of substation equipment, including pedestal
wave traps.
● Laying and routing of control cables from the switchyard to the control room.
● Break-in and final tie-in of the 161 kV Yendi Solar line to the 161 kV Tamale–Yendi
transmission network.
The Line Maintenance Team, which undertook the transmission line construction works, played the lead technical role in delivering the 4 km line. The team was led by Ing. Johnson Kwame Ilupeju, Chief Technician/Engineer, Lines, who was responsible for key activities including, the assembly and erection of transmission towers, fabrication and installation of missing tower members, stringing, tensioning and sagging of conductors and earth wires, tower earthing and line testing. The efforts of these two team leaders were central to the successful physical construction and completion of the transmission line.
This achievement makes the Yendi Solar connection the longest transmission line
project completed entirely in-house by GRIDCo’s technical workforce to date. It
highlights the Company’s depth of technical expertise, institutional capacity and ability to independently execute complex transmission infrastructure projects through the effective coordination of its own technical and human resources.
The Engineering Design and Project Team, led by Ing. Martin Kodjo carried all the transmission line and substation civil and electromechanical designs with the production of drawings for site works. Ing. Ebenezer Oakley coordinated the deployment of materials and equipment to site and coordinated the site safety and supervision works.
The Protection and Control (P&C) Team, led by Joseph Kofi Narter, Senior Electrical Engineer, and Nelson Awotwe, Principal Electrical Engineer, played a critical role in commissioning the 66 MVA, 161/34.5 kV power transformer at the Yendi Solar Substation.
The team installed, tested and integrated the transformer’s protection, control, metering, monitoring and alarm systems, including protection relays, instrument transformers, voltage regulation, temperature monitoring, trip circuits and associated control interfaces. Through detailed wiring verification, relay and injection testing, functional trip tests, SCADA and alarm checks, documentation and final quality inspections. The joint technical groups ensured that the transformer and associated systems were correctly configured, safely integrated and ready for reliable operation.
The Electrical Maintenance Team also contributed their respective technical expertise to the successful execution and commissioning of the project. Their collaboration with the Line Maintenance and P&C teams ensured that the transmission line and associated substation systems were properly installed, integrated, tested and prepared for reliable operation.
The successful completion of the project demonstrates the technical competence,
teamwork, dedication, commitment and resourcefulness of GRIDCo’s in-house workforce. It also demonstrates the Company’s capacity to mobilise and coordinate multi-disciplinary technical expertise to deliver critical transmission infrastructure.
The team lauded the project initiators- led by Ing. Francis Arthur, Director Southern Network – for the building blocks laid at project conception. Ing. Francis Arthur, who was then Director Engineering ensured the successful implementation of the project. All supporting departments also received appreciation for the immense roles played in the project.
Following the commissioning of the project, Ing. Ilupeju expressed gratitude to Ing. Nicholina N. N. Yembilah, now Director Procurement, who was then Director, Engineering [during the very critical phase of the project] for her immense encouragement and strategic planning, which boosted the entire team to undertake the project effectively. Her efficient project management and coordination of project key stakeholders, First Sky Limited, Bui Power Authority etc. also facilitated smooth project execution. He again recognised the contribution of Ing. Vincent Boachie, Director Technical Services who supported with the provision of resource conveyance/deployment of materials to site timeously. Ing. George Adunle, Tamale Area Manager, was also appreciated for providing the necessary support and additional resources, which contributed to the successful completion.
Beyond the immediate achievement, the project provides valuable practical experience and lessons, which can inform the planning and execution of future in-house transmission projects. The construction methodologies adopted and knowledge gained will also serve as useful reference material and a training resource for GRIDCo personnel.
The completion of the Yendi Solar transmission line further demonstrates GRIDCo’s capacity to support the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, while reinforcing the Company’s commitment to developing a reliable and resilient transmission network.
The achievement stands as a testament to the capabilities of GRIDCo’s workforce and its ability to deliver major transmission infrastructure projects independently through effective multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Ayekoo to the team!!!
