Innovative electricity tech from ABB provides better life

The innovative electricity tech SSVT from ABB can utilize, transform local energy basis into electricity, which can be used in local villages in Congo.

In the sub-Saharan African country, Democratic Republic of Congo, until this month most of the inhabitants did not have a chance to use electric power. But, the worldwide company ABB launched its innovative technological product, “micro-substation,,” based on ABB’s Service Station Voltage Transformer (SSVT) technology. It is capable of utilizing, transforming local energy basis into electricity, which can be used in local villages and its population and easing the lives of local people.

For example, the local educational institutions can hold lessons, and administrative institutions can work properly thanks to the continuous supply of electric power in that region. The local report that the help from ABB has changed their lives completely, hope and chance for urbanization and development of the local community are now possible. It is like transforming the darkness into enlightenment.

In Congo, 17 million people live and almost 10 million of them have no permanent access to electricity. Throughout the villages are located high voltage stands and scales, but to use them transformers and stations are necessary to be installed, otherwise, it is very dangerous and impractical. Microsoft and ABB have come with a solution so that small transformers are installed and used for local needs. As Matej Stolar, Site Engineer in ABB reported, huge substations are very costly and not considered in this case. As an alternative, the engineers are like bypassing one or two transformers directly above the power lightning. This option provides enough electricity for local areas consisting of 1000-1500 households, like this in Congo or other African countries with that size.

The biggest advantage of this innovation is the increase of safety and security for local residents thanks to electric power in those areas when night comes. It is a major driver for the industry, education as well.