FTS Completes 230kV Substation in Angola

A Landmark Milestone for FTS Engineers Group

FTS Engineers Group is pleased to announce the successful completion of the 230kV Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS) project for AISCO — the Angola Iron and Steel Company — in Luanda, Angola. This project, valued at USD 8.5 million, represents the largest international engineering assignment in FTS's two-decade history and marks a significant expansion of the company's African market presence.

The 230kV GIS substation is the primary power supply infrastructure for AISCO's integrated steel plant in Luanda — a facility that produces steel billets and rebars for the Angolan construction sector. Reliable, high-quality power supply is a prerequisite for continuous steelmaking operations, making this substation a mission-critical piece of infrastructure for the client's production capability.

Project Scope and Technical Highlights

The project scope encompassed the complete engineering, procurement, and construction management of the 230kV GIS switchgear and associated systems. Key technical elements included the 230kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) bay configuration with double-busbar arrangement for reliability; power transformer specification and interfacing; protection and control panels designed to IEC standards; a comprehensive earthing and lightning protection system to IEC 60364; instrumentation and SCADA integration with the plant's supervisory control system; and the complete civil and structural engineering for the GIS building and outdoor switchyard.

The use of Gas-Insulated Switchgear at 230kV was a first for FTS — representing a technical upgrade from our previous AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear) substation experience. GIS technology is essential for urban and space-constrained sites such as the AISCO plant in Luanda, where outdoor AIS switchyards are not feasible. Our electrical engineering team undertook a structured competency-building programme prior to and during the project to ensure the design met international standards and manufacturer requirements.

Challenges of Working in Angola

Executing an engineering project of this scale in Angola presented challenges that go beyond the technical. Logistics — procuring and transporting specialist GIS equipment to Luanda — required careful planning and engagement with specialist freight forwarding partners. Local regulatory requirements, including Angolan electrical standards and work permit procedures, were navigated in close coordination with the client and local partners.

FTS deployed a resident engineer to Luanda for the duration of the construction and commissioning phase. Having a senior FTS engineer on site was critical to maintaining quality oversight, managing contractor interfaces, and ensuring timely resolution of technical queries without the delays that remote project management can introduce.

Communication across time zones and the management of a multi-national project team — with engineering conducted in Kolkata, procurement from international suppliers, and construction in Angola — required robust project management systems and clear escalation pathways. FTS's PMC team developed a structured project execution plan at the outset that enabled effective coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

Significance for FTS's International Strategy

The AISCO Angola project is FTS's most significant international engagement to date, and its successful completion opens new avenues for growth in the African market. Africa's steel sector is expanding rapidly, driven by urbanisation, infrastructure investment, and increasing domestic demand for construction steel. Several new steel plants are in the planning or construction phase across Sub-Saharan and North Africa, and FTS is positioning to compete for power, process, and mechanical engineering packages on these projects.

The completion of a 230kV GIS substation project — on time and to specification — in one of Africa's challenging operating environments is a significant reference that strengthens FTS's international credentials substantially. We congratulate the entire project team for their dedication and professionalism throughout this milestone assignment.

Project Highlights

• First 230kV GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) project for FTS Engineers Group — a significant technical milestone and competency extension.
• USD 8.5 million project value — FTS's largest single international project to date, establishing a strong reference in the African market.
• FTS resident engineer deployed to Luanda for construction and commissioning, ensuring quality oversight and real-time technical resolution.
• 2024 project completion on schedule — demonstrating FTS's ability to manage complex international projects across time zones and jurisdictions.
• Establishes FTS presence in the rapidly growing African steel engineering market, with further opportunities in pipeline across Sub-Saharan and North Africa.