NECRT’s reportedly have a lifespan of approximately 21 years with trouble-free utilisation. (Image source: ACTOM Distribution Transformers)
ACTOM Distribution Transformers has won an order to supply its Neutral Electromagnetic Couplers with Earthing Resistors and an Auxiliary Transformer (NECRT’s) to the Kamoa Copper Mine in the DRC Transformer For Mine
The division within the ACTOM Group designs and manufactures a range of 16kVA to 10MVA distribution and longer-range power transformers and, after refining NECRT’s design in 2010, is now considered a class leader in the field in sub-Saharan Africa. According to Lee Mbenge, CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers, NECRT’s play a key role in grounding collector power transformers in the substation which helps to facilitate the transmission of power generated by renewable energy plants into the national grid.
“We are the preferred supplier of NECRT’s to Kamoa Copper Mine SA, which demonstrates that they have full confidence in our equipment,” remarked Mbenge. “The latest order allows us to strengthen our footprint in Africa, positioning us as not only the dominant NECRT’S supplier in South Africa but also throughout the continent.”
Over the last few years, the optimisation of NECRT’s has included strengthening the active parts (internal design) and mechanical integrity to ensure the equipment is able to survive transportation with little damage. Furthermore, Mbenge explained that it has been adapted to suit the often harsh conditions the units are set to work in and “as a result, our NECRT units have performed better than those of various international suppliers, which are prone to failure.”
According to the organisation, NECRT’s have a lifespan of approximately 21 years with trouble-free utilisation, resulting in an increase in efficiency and reliability of renewable energy plants. With cross-border demand growing for the NECRT’s units, the business is now suppling the products to Namibia, Lesotho and Zambia as well.
“The latest order from Kamoa Copper Mine SA highlights the strength of the ACTOM brand in the design and manufacture of NECRT’s and transformers,” Mbenge concluded. “This will allow us to become further entrenched in the renewable energy market where we would like to be more dominant.”
The Kamoa Copper Mine is powered by the Mwadingusha Hydroelectric Plant which was rehabilitated and modernised in 2021. The latest order is a continuation of the partnership between the business and division that has been running for several years and, in 2023, saw an order worth more than R10mn (approx. US$530,000) completed for the mine. Indeed, the mine has been making some serious investments in order to overhaul its energy infrastructure, including placing an order with ACTOM MV Switchgear for GELPAG solid insulate switchgear units for underground substation at the mine. Click here to learn more about this story.
The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)
GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)
The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)
ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)
Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)
The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)
Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)
WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)
The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)
Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The 100% hydrogen-ready engine is expected to be available for orders in 2025, and available for delivery from 2026. (Image source: Wärtsilä Energy)
A diesel generator set delivered in Gabon by Cat dealer Tractafric Equipment. (Image source: Caterpillar)
The first Jinko Solar BESS project was in Africa. (Image source: Jinko Solar)
Esther Kimani is the third woman and second Kenyan to win the Africa Prize. (Image source: Royal Academy of Engineering)
The Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1 is characterised by its high lifting capacities and 70 m telescopic boom. (Image source: Liebherr)
A specialist line-up was assembled to provide their expertise. (Image source: Technical Review Middle East)
The project will make use of drones and AI technology. (Image source: Aeroterra & Eldera Matadata Presisi)
Transporting the massive transformer meant overcoming many logistical challenges. (Image source: AGL)
On average, SAF can reduce aviation carbon emission by up to 80%. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The ACED team has brought on around 470MW of private wind and solar projects to financial close in the last 24 months. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The brand and marketing conference in Kenya. (Image source: UD Trucks)
Nearly 2,500 delegates will be attending the conference in Barcelona. (Image source: aef)
The signing ceremony for the new partnership. (Image source: Airtel Africa)
Windproof Partial Insulator The Carmix Academy 2024 event confirmed the company’s commitment to constant training and the support to its partners. (Image source: Carmix)