Interconnection between Mali and Ivory coast — Angelique International Limited

4 min readApr 22, 2019

The high voltage power systems of Mali and Ivory Coast were connected for the first time on November 11, 2012 with the commissioning of Interconnection project: Mali — Ivory Coast by Angelique International Limited.

The new 225 kV overhead lines connection between Ferkéssédougou in the North of Ivory Coast and Ségou in Mali, via Sikasso and Koutiala, was put in operation successfully.

Not only the two countries are now interconnected in a single power system, but also along with them, other countries Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Niger have benefited immensely.

Project Size

Realisation of approx. 237 Kms 225 kV transmission line between Sikasso-Zegoua–Ferkessedougou, a new 225 kV substations at Sikasso & Koutiala and Augmentation of 225 kV substations at Ferkessedougou & Segou

The above contract financed by EXIM &EBID Bank.

Salient features of the project..

Construction of 100 kM long 225 KV transmission line in Mali, from Sikasso to Zegoua.
Construction of 137kM long 225 KV transmission line in Ivory Coast, from Zegoua to Ferkessedougou. Out of this line 10 KM is on the already existing double circuit towers, on which one circuit is energized.
Construction of new 225 KV substations at Sikassowith 2X40MVA-225/33KV, 2X20MVA-33/15KV transformers and 8 Bays&Koutialawith Power transformer 40MVA 225/33 kV, 20MVA 33/15 kV& 4 Baysin Mali and Augmentation of 225 kV substations at Ferkessedougouwith 2 Bays in Ivory Coast&Segouwith 3 Bays in Mali.
Synchronizing power systems of Ivory Coast and Mali and making it operational.
Establishment of PLC/OPGW based communication system from Abidjan LDC in Ivory Coast to Segou in Mali (1200Km link) involving works at 9 substations.

Challenges

Angelique International Limited executed this project in Mali and Ivory Coast, with Mali as the primary client. The total material had to be stored in Mali, due to rebels’ control in the area of the project in Ivory Coast.
Managing time and cost was a big challenge to operate the stores from Mali, first for incoming material from India to stores in Mali and then from Mali to Ivory Coast for installation at site.
The Mali — Ivory Coast border was controlled by rebels, the gun totting persons in military uniform with no state authority, but full illegal authority and control.
They would create hindrances at will for passing the border. In 137 KM road length in Ivory Coast territory, there were about ten more similar check posts, would charge at will and allow the passage. Situation improved slightly after 2011 election in Ivory Coast.
Shooting, looting intimidation were daily rituals in that section, but despite all these the work continued diplomatically, sometimes with the help of rebel commanders with local contacts.
In the absence of any galvanizing plant in Mali, Angelique International brought the structural steel from India. To solve the problem, brought spare galvanized angle lengths along with tower material.
The required length members were fabricated and fitted wherever required.
Near Ferke substation in Ivory Coast, the conductor on 10 Km 225 KV line was to be strung while the other circuit feeding the third country Burkina Faso was already energized.
While the project work was in its final stage, there was a military coup in Mali. For the safety of the personnel, an evacuation plan had to be in place. After establishing a perfect liaison with the local authorities and our embassy the work could be carried out.

Technologically Innovative jobs

1. Carried out live line stringing on 225 KV line for 10 Kms near Ferke substation in Ivory Coast. A first for Angelique International Limited.

2. Synchronizing power systems of two countries Mali and Ivory Coast. A first for Angelique International Limited.

3. Establishment of long line communication channel from Abidjan to Bamako, also involving several substations.

4. Operationalizing SCADA system and enabling power control up to Segou in Mali from power control center Abidjan, at a distance of 1200 KM.

Benefits for society

Before this project, the total installed capacity of Mali was around 250MW, and there was acute shortage of power. The generation in Sikasso Koutiala belt was met through DG sets using oil fuel leading to expensive power and frequent power cuts. .

With the commissioning of this project, the country started getting 50MW additional and reliable power and is likely to get more in future as spare power available in Ivory Coast for export to Mali and is also helping to uplift there comfort level and living standard of the local population.

The power supply was also a boon for the flourishing cottage industries.

For More Project Details and Other Angelique International Limited News

Links :

Angelique International limited : The Indian firm behind Rwanda’s biggest hydro power project

Angelique International Limited — Kakobola Hydro Electric Project

https://medium.com/@premchandindustry/angelique-international-limited-news-e9fc87db52ca

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/angeliqueindia-3246954-angelique-international-limited-news/

https://www.reddit.com/r/civilengineering/comments/agutmv/latest_angelique_international_limited_news/

http://watch.viwap.com/video/angelique-international-news-angelique-international-review/wukcgQbfUw4

https://vidoops.com/channel/vimeo:angeliquenewsreview

http://angeliqueinternationalnews.com/page/2/

https://www.plurk.com/p/n8lv6a