OREANDA-NEWS. Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today announced that Toshiba Transmission & Distribution Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd. (TTDI) has been awarded a US$34-million contract by Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC), the operator of Kenya’s electrical grid, to supply approximately 8,000 distribution transformers. The order is the second that TTDI has won from KPLC.

TDDI will fulfil the order over the three years from this June, and will install the transformers in the transmission and distribution (T&D) and substation network that connects power plants and end-consumers in Nairobi, Mombasa and surrounding regions.

Kenya is enjoying strong economic growth that is driving demand for electric power. However, the country must still complete development of comprehensive T&D infrastructure, with at least one estimate indicating that less than 20% of the population currently has access to mains electricity. KPLC aims to increase coverage to 70% by 2030, and the contract with TDDI marks a major commitment to achieving this target.

Dr. Katsutoshi Toda, Chairman & Managing Director of TTDI said, “Last month, we completed the supply of approximately 4,000 distribution transformers for Kenya’s grid. The award of the new contract reflects KPLC’s positive evaluation of TDDI's proven track record of meeting delivery schedules with reliable, high quality products.”

In 2013, Toshiba acquired the T&D transformer and switchgear businesses of Vijai Electricals Ltd., one of India's leading manufacturers of distribution transformers, as the basis for establishing TTDI. Since then, Toshiba has invested in increased capacity at TTDI, deployed its industry-leading quality management methodology, and introduced high-quality, cost-competitive products, including high-voltage transformers, gas- insulated switchgears and railroad transformers. TTDI already has the world’s second largest market share in amorphous core distribution transformers, which limit losses at a low load factor, and TDDI is committed to further developing these and to manufacturing other environmentally friendly, high-efficiency products.

Toshiba Group will continue to contribute to stable electricity supply and the realization of low-carbon economies in emerging markets. It will deliver T&D products that win high customer satisfaction, and aim for steady profit in the T&D business.

Summary of order received

Product 11 kV/400 V and 33 kV/400 V distribution transformers
Number of transformers Approximately 8,000
Delivery period From June 2016 to March 2019