Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution to power transmission network

The National Transmission Network Service Provider Ltd., (NTNSP) and Shanghai Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Engineering Co., Ltd., part of China’s Shanghai Electric Group, signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to expand Sri Lanka’s electricity transmission network. 

Sri Lankan engineering firm ComCorp Ltd., will serve as the local engineering partner to Shanghai Power Transmission and Distribution Co. Ltd. (SPTDE), a subsidiary of the renowned Shanghai Electric Group of China, which is the EPC contractor for the 87.7 km high-voltage transmission line project for NTNSP.

The contract covers Package 2 of the Asian Development Bank-funded Power System Strengthening and Renewable Energy Integration Project (PSSREIP). The scope comprises the construction of a 78 km, 132 kV Matara - Hambantota transmission line, a 7.7 km double-circuit in-and-out connection to Homagama Grid Substation from the existing Horana -Padukka 132 kV transmission line, a 1.5 km single-circuit in-and-out connection to Mirigama Grid Substation from the existing New Habarana - Veyangoda 220 kV transmission line, and a 0.5 km in-and-out connection to Negombo Grid Substation from the existing Katunayake - Bolawatta 132 kV transmission line.

The new lines and connections are expected to increase the amount of electricity the network can carry and improve the reliability of supply. The work forms part of a wider effort to prepare Sri Lanka’s grid for more wind and solar generation. As new generation comes online, expanding the transmission network helps carry electricity from where it is produced to where households and businesses need it.

The contract, finalised 5 November, builds on Shanghai Electric’s previous work in Sri Lanka, which includes the 220 kV Veyangoda Grid Substation, the 220/132 kV New Chilaw Grid Substation and a two-bay extension at the New Anuradhapura Grid Substation. The company has also worked on 220 kV transmission infrastructure associated with the Norochcholai Power Plant. Its international portfolio includes high-voltage transmission and substation projects in Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Maldives and Myanmar, with capabilities spanning engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning.

ComCorp’s work with electricity utilities dates back to 1997, when it was established in Sri Lanka as a licensed office of Belgium’s Electronic Instruments International (EII). The company began by introducing Digital Fault and Disturbance Recording technology to utilities in the region (Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, UAE, Indonesia, Sudan, Algeria...etc.)These systems capture what happens when a fault occurs, giving utility engineers the data they need to investigate disruptions. Today, ComCorp remains a leading provider of power system monitoring and disturbance recording solutions, backed by three decades of experience and an established presence in the electricity utility sector.

Over the years, ComCorp has expanded into power transmission and distribution, protection and control systems, power transformers, engineering consultancy and utility asset management. Its services include equipment supply, installation, testing and commissioning, as well as turnkey project delivery. The company has worked directly together with over 15 Utilities and international technology and engineering firms including LEM, Qualitrol and many other EPC’s around the globe.

The project pairs Shanghai Electric’s experience delivering high-voltage infrastructure internationally with ComCorp’s experience coordinating engineering work in Sri Lanka. That local experience is relevant to a package that spans a long-distance transmission corridor in the south and three separate grid connections. For ComCorp, the appointment builds on its work with international engineering companies serving electricity utilities in Sri Lanka and the region.

NTNSP Chairman Nusith Kumaratunga and Chief Executive Officer Eng. N. S. Wettasinghe attended the signing alongside Director of Design Eng. Anuruddha Thilakarathna, Project Director Eng. S. W. Kumarawadu and Project Manager Eng. R. Jeewagan. Other senior NTNSP officials and engineers were present, together with representatives of SPTDE and ComCorp.