#Shanghai Electric #Uzbekistan #Digital Substation #Zafarabad

Uzbekistan's First Digital Substation: A Leap in Power Digitalization

The Zafarabad 220kV Digital Substation has officially marked Uzbekistan's first foray into digital substations, pioneered by Shanghai Electric. Situated in the Jizzakh Province, this cutting-edge facility covers a sprawling area of approximately 75,000 square meters and promises to revolutionize the power supply in eastern Uzbekistan, a region grappling with consistent energy shortages.

Background and Significance

For over twenty years, Uzbekistan has faced persistent challenges with natural gas and electricity availability. These shortages have necessitated reliance on outdated heating methods and traditional stoves, particularly during the harsh winter months. The introduction of the Zafarabad Digital Substation is anticipated to significantly bolster the region's electrical grid, improving energy distribution across Uzbekistan. The facility's impressive capacity of 400 megawatts is set to effectively double the energy supply in the Jizzakh region, ensuring consistent electricity delivery to nearby residential areas and industrial enterprises.

Advanced Technological Innovations

Equipped with two 250 MVA auto-transformers developed and manufactured by Shanghai Electric, the substation efficiently transitions voltage from the higher 220kV grid level down to 110kV for local distribution. This transformation is vital for providing reliable and high-quality electricity to meet the increasing power demands of this rapidly developing region. Beyond sheer capacity, the introduction of a fully digitalized system stands out. This advanced technology is designed to enhance both efficiency and safety in substation operations, minimizing the need for on-site personnel and boosting operational safety.

Additionally, the state-of-the-art monitoring and data acquisition systems built into the substation allow for real-time oversight of operations. In the event of operational disruptions, these systems can swiftly identify faults and automatically adjust the power loads, thereby mitigating potential power outages.

Collaboration and Challenges Overcome

In a commendable feat of project management, Shanghai Electric undertook the turnkey project, which was awarded by the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan in October 2021. Developing Uzbekistan’s first digital substation was no mean task, demanding collaboration among various stakeholders, overcoming language barriers, and conducting rigorous technical debugging. Nevertheless, the Shanghai Electric project team not only optimized the project configurations but also ensured thorough training for local personnel. Throughout construction, seamless coordination between Chinese and Uzbek teams contributed to fulfilling the primary infrastructure requirements on schedule, boasting an impressive three-year record with no incidents.

The completion of the Zafarabad Digital Substation stands as a testament to Shanghai Electric's capabilities and commitment to enhancing energy infrastructure in Uzbekistan. The project aligns with global trends towards digitalization in the energy sector, setting a benchmark for future developments in the region.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan’s journey towards modernizing its power supply network has taken a significant leap forward with the establishment of the Zafarabad 220kV Digital Substation. As the nation deals with historical energy challenges, the integration of digital technologies into its power infrastructure signifies not just an improvement in energy reliability, but also opens new avenues for economic growth and development. The success of this project will likely serve as a model for future energy initiatives across Central Asia and beyond.