The Technical Operations Manager of NEDCo, Mr Robert Ato Mensah, on October 10 presented on the “Potential for Smart Grids within NEDCo” in a seminar series being organized by (The Energy Center) TEC on Smart Grids in Ghana.

Commenting on some of the challenges within NEDCo, Mr. Ato Mensah indicated that NEDCo’s networks cover about 64% of the geographical area of Ghana and its customers have grown substantially since its inception in 1987. However, it has not seen adequate investments in its distribution systems. In addition, majority of its customers do not pay commercially viable tariff which makes it difficult to generate sufficient revenue for its operations. Poor ICT infrastructure, low voltages at the feeders, poor metering and high commercial and technical losses were also identified as some of the challenges within NEDCo distribution networks.

In his presentation, he shared with Fellows of TEC some smart grids concept designs. Monitoring systems through sensors and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED), computational intelligence through advanced computational methods, and measurement and control systems using smart metering and advanced digital relays were identified as some of the basic requirements for smart grid systems.

On the potential of smart grids within NEDCo, he mentioned that NEDCo is currently taking some initiatives to position itself in readiness for smart grid technology. NEDCo is in advanced stages of awarding a contract for the implementation of Enterprise Geographic Information System (EGIS) to facilitate management of network assets. NEDCo is also planning to configure and improve its network through a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) project that will help manage its operations. The SCADA project will involve five control centers at Sunyani, Techiman, Tamale, Bolga and Wa with consolidation reporting facilities in NEDCo’s Head Office.

Concluding his presentation, he stressed that in moving forward to smart grid systems in Ghana, there is the need to assemble technical committees to develop a National Smart Grid Plan. The workforce in Ghana’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution sector would also have to be retrained to be able to manage the smart grid systems.

To download a copy of the presentation, click here