Mitrelli
Electrification of the Sumbe-Gabela-Waku Kungo axis
The Sumbe-Gabela-Waku Kungo (SGWK) electrification project seeks to enhance and expand Angola’s national electricity transmission infrastructure with a particular emphasis on rural areas, allowing and facilitating access to the national grid for a significant number of households, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and industrial establishments. This project, which is of enormous importance to the quality of life of the population of Kwanza Sul, will now be covered by 10 substations designed by Mitrelli Energy sector, with excellent material and a lasting impact.
Location:
Angola, Cuanza Sul Province
Inauguration year:
2024
Impact highlights:
- 385k+ families connected to energy
- 58,000+ home connections
- 785M T CO2 reduced annually
- 900+ direct jobs created and 12,000+ indirect jobs
- 335+ MW increase and reinforcement of installed power
Official partners:
Ministry of Energy and Water of Angola (scope RNT)
Sector synergy:
SDG supported:
Project
challenges
The local population had long endured unreliable or nonexistent access to electricity, significantly impacting their daily lives. The absence of stable power made food preservation difficult, limited educational opportunities, and heightened security risks. Managing community expectations and ensuring trust in the project’s execution posed additional challenges.
The project also faced substantial logistical obstacles. Transporting one 20 MVA and one 60 MVA transformer from the Port of Luanda to Cuanza Sul for the Quibala substations, as well as another 20 MVA transformer to the Seles substation, required careful coordination to navigate challenging terrain, deteriorated roads, and heavy rainfall.
Our solution
Mitrelli Energy successfully delivered a stable and sustainable energy supply through advanced solutions. The deployment of new transmission and distribution lines replaced costly and inefficient generators, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The project team actively engaged with communities, conducting satisfaction assessments to ensure alignment with their needs and expectations.
Furthermore, local personnel received comprehensive training to operate and maintain the infrastructure, ensuring long-term energy security. Through strong partnerships and unwavering commitment, the initiative directly contributes to Angola’s economic and social development while reinforcing the country’s transition to renewable energy sources.
Scope
of work
Mitrelli Energy led the project as a turnkey solution, overseeing all phases from initial planning to final implementation. The work encompassed:
- Surveys, Planning, and Design – Conducting feasibility studies and mapping optimal infrastructure solutions.
- Licensing and Logistics – Managing equipment procurement and transportation, including large transformers and substations.
- Construction and Installation – Building substations and overhead power lines to integrate new areas into the grid.
- Testing and Commissioning – Ensuring infrastructure efficiency and reliability before formal handover.
- Local Workforce Training – Providing specialized training to local engineers and technicians to ensure long-term system sustainability.
- Community Engagement Initiatives – Educating residents on energy usage, efficiency, and safety to promote responsible consumption.
By integrating advanced energy solutions and community-focused initiatives, the project not only lights up homes but also drives lasting socio-economic transformation.
Impact highlights
