Sekelduin substation commissioned

NamPower has officially commissioned the Sekelduin 132/66/33 kV Substation near Swakopmund - Africa’s first fully digital, AI-ready substation. The facility strengthens grid reliability, unlocks future load growth in the Erongo region, and sets a new benchmark for digital energy infrastructure on the continent, according to ACTOM High Voltage Equipment, the main supplier, EPC contractor, and systems integrator.

A continental first

Built at a cost of N$394 million (US$22.6 million), Sekelduin is Africa’s first fully digital substation designed and delivered by African teams for African energy needs.

The facility uses process bus and station bus applications aligned with IEC 61850 standards, fibre-optic communication, and hybrid AIS/GIS switchgear, enabling real-time monitoring, remote control, and predictive maintenance, according to ACTOM.

“This is a continental first: a fully digital substation delivered by African expertise for Africa,” said Casbah Zwane, divisional CEO of ACTOM High Voltage Equipment. “Operators can now monitor live data and control switching remotely, reducing physical intervention and enhancing safety,” Zwane added.

The digital infrastructure is also AI- and machine learning-ready, allowing NamPower to plan for future energy demands, integrate digital transformation initiatives, and maintain operational excellence. “Maintenance is now preventative rather than reactive, saving time, reducing costs, and improving reliability,” project manager Phuluso Mnisi said.

Sekelduin also represents the adoption of new international engineering standards, bringing advanced European practices to Africa and successfully applying them in a challenging coastal and desert environment.

Strengthening the grid and driving innovation

The new substation provides a critical feed to Namibia’s coastal network, improving grid reliability and supporting future load growth along the Erongo corridor. Its compact indoor AIS/GIS and metal-enclosed GIS designs optimise space while protecting equipment from harsh coastal and desert conditions.

“The substation is built to adapt to future needs - additional power, new feeders - keeping Namibia at the forefront of digital energy innovation,” Zwane said. ACTOM coordinated multiple divisions to ensure safe energising, seamless integration of all systems, and strict adherence to timelines and budget. This collaboration was essential to delivering a fully operational, first-of-its-kind digital substation.

“Bringing multiple ACTOM divisions together under one roof allowed us to manage complex challenges efficiently and deliver a fully integrated substation,” Mnisi added.

Setting the standard

“NamPower is setting the standard, and other utilities across the continent will follow,” Zwane said. “ACTOM’s collaborative, one-stop-shop approach demonstrates how to manage complex projects while reducing risk for the customer.”

With Sekelduin now operational, Namibia is strengthening its grid, future-proofing the Erongo region, and demonstrating how African expertise and technology can drive digital transformation, energy reliability, and continental innovation.

The substation is a model for the future of power infrastructure in Africa, a continental first achieved with African talent, vision, and collaboration. “This project proves that African engineering teams can deliver world-class, future-ready digital infrastructure,” Mnisi said.