Impact of Merowe Power Generation on the Performance of the Sudanese Electric National Grid

Abstract

The Sudanese National Grid suffered severe supply shortages prior to Merowe. The advantages and challenges arising from the introduction of Merowe power are addressed here. Power-flow, short circuit, contingency and stability analyses of the National Grid are presented for both before- and after-Merowe cases. Comparisons are drawn between the two cases to show system improvement and propose solutions to observed challenges. The analyses show system improvement in terms of adequacy of supply, enhancement in stability and significant reduction of the need to apply load shedding as well as N-1 criteria, transient stability and voltage profile. Proposals are made to improve transmission network performance through increasing transmission capacity and installing SVCs at carefully selected locations. Proposals are also made to increase network components capacities to maintain N-1 stability criteria in the future. Distributed generation, particularly in Khartoum is recommended as a means of addressing forecasted generation shortages. In addition, it is proposed that other plants comparable to Merowe in generation capacity be incorporated at other locations to avoid instability risks that may result from loss of Merowe at any time.