EN
50MW Solar Power Plant
Project Overview
In N’Djamena, Chad—where national electrification rates hover below 10% and the capital experiences over 12 power outages per month—an international developer launched the country’s first utility-scale solar project: a 50MW photovoltaic power plant. While solar offered a lower-cost energy alternative, the client lacked experience in deploying large-scale renewable infrastructure in one of Africa’s most challenging environments: extreme desert heat, pervasive sand, zero grid backbone, and a severe shortage of qualified local electricians.
Critical constraints included:
No pre-existing transmission or substation infrastructure—requiring a complete greenfield electrical system
Ambient temperatures exceeding 48°C combined with fine airborne sand threatening equipment integrity
High risk of post-commissioning failure due to limited local maintenance expertise
Landlocked logistics: Equipment had to traverse multiple borders via road after port discharge in Cameroon
TSTY Electric’s Customized Solution
TSTY delivered more than hardware—it provided an integrated substation solution backed by deep solar deployment experience, tailored logistics, and on-the-ground technical enablement. From design input to worker training, TSTY ensured the plant could be built correctly, operated reliably, and maintained locally.
Core Technical Adaptations
Desert-optimized oil-immersed transformers with full copper windings, sealed bushings, and enhanced radiators for 50°C+ operation
Pre-engineered substation layout aligned with the PV plant’s single-line diagram to minimize field rework
Bilingual technical package: Installation manuals, wiring diagrams, and operation guides in English and French
On-site TSTY field team supervising transformer placement, switchgear commissioning, and protection system validation
Equipment Scope Delivered
Equipment
Rating
Quantity
Key Features
Generator Step-Up Transformer
20 MVA, 66/15 kV
1 unit
Full copper
Oil-immersed
Dust-resistant design
IEC 60076 compliant
Grid Interconnection Transformer
45 MVA, 66/33 kV
1 unit
Full copper
High thermal margin
Sand-sealed conservator
Medium & Low Voltage Switchgear
15 kV / 0.4 kV
Complete set
Metal-clad
Local manual override
Auxiliary Equipment
CTs, VTs, Line Disconnectors
As per system design
Calibration-certified
Corrosion-resistant finish
*All units passed third-party type testing per regional requirements prior to shipment.
Engineered for Africa, Validated Globally
Success in Chad demanded more than compliant equipment—it required turning a remote desert site into a sustainable power hub. Four frontier-ready capabilities made it possible:
Solar Project Experience, Not Just Equipment
Leveraging lessons from solar deployments across West and East Africa, the team advised on transformer inrush current management, voltage ride-through settings, and grounding strategies—critical for stable operation in weak-grid or islanded mode. This hands-on design input prevented common commissioning pitfalls in off-grid PV plants.
Reliable Inland Logistics Chain
End-to-end transport was managed from factory to foundation: after port discharge in Douala (Cameroon), oversized transformers traveled over 2,000 km via escorted convoy through challenging terrain. Every unit arrived on schedule—and undamaged—despite multiple border crossings and seasonal road conditions.
Local Knowledge Transfer
On-site engineers trained local technicians on oil sampling, tap position verification, and basic fault isolation. This practical upskilling ensured routine maintenance could be performed without external support, significantly improving long-term operational resilience.
From Supplier to Long-Term Enabler
By embedding technical presence throughout installation and energization, TSTY helped launch Chad’s first utility-scale solar asset—not just as a vendor, but as a committed partner in building local energy sovereignty. Today, the plant runs reliably in one of Africa’s harshest environments, a testament to what’s possible when global engineering meets on-the-ground empowerment.
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