Port of Beirut explosion causes severe damages on power grid
Lebanon, Beirut: An explosion that rocked Beirut on 4 August had a devastating impact on the power grid in the neighboring areas.
Image source: Omar Al Kaaki
Lebanon, Beirut: An explosion that rocked Beirut on 4 August had a devastating impact on the power grid in the neighboring areas.
More than 90 MV / LV substations and 30,000 m of overhead lines in the areas which are in proximity to the explosion site, sustained varying damages in their components and structures.
KVA, the distribution service provider in Beirut, quickly mobilized its teams to assess the damages, conduct the necessary maintenance activities, and restore the service as soon as possible.
Within only 500 m of the explosion site, the Achrafieh HV / MV primary substation, which was inaugurated in January 2018, and includes 2 x 70 MVA 20 kV / 220 kV transformers, was heavily damaged, and went completely out of operation. The transformers, cables, ventilation systems, and even the outer structure sustained severe damages.
Customers who were previously connected to it, are now receiving electricity from other primary substations temporarily while maintenance and rehabilitation works of Achrafieh Substation are completed.
Multiple investment projects, which will complement the temporary transition of the distribution network, will be executed by KVA to allow the network to sustain the current demand.
The explosion has killed 170 people so far, wounding 4,000, displacing 300,000, and causing severe damages to areas within 4 km distance.
It was caused by 2,750 t of ammonium nitrate stored in the Port of Beirut, close to many highly-populated areas and tourist sites. Investigations are underway to detect what caused the ammonium nitrate to explode.
Author: Omar Al Kaaki
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