Chinese Grid Technology Reduces Egyptian Power Distribution Losses

On December 2nd, the South Cairo distribution network loss reduction pilot project in Egypt, led and implemented by a Chinese power grid company, officially passed the acceptance inspection by the South Cairo Electricity Distribution Company of Egypt. The comprehensive line loss rate in the pilot area decreased from 17.6% to 6%, achieving an average daily reduction of lost electricity of approximately 15,000 kilowatt-hours. This project is the first overseas distribution network loss reduction pilot project of the Chinese power grid company, marking the first systematic overseas implementation and successful validation of the company's advanced lean management experience in line loss. The project received high praise from the Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and the South Cairo Electricity Distribution Company of Egypt.

The project was launched in September 2024. Facing challenges such as long-running equipment, missing archives, and chaotic household-transformer relationships, the project team from the international company of the power grid introduced the "four-part line loss" distribution network management system of China's power grid company. Combined with local realities, they innovatively extended the "low-voltage branch division" dimension, establishing a "five-part" line loss management and control system that progresses from macro to micro levels. 

Addressing pain points in Egypt's local distribution networks such as low automation data collection and extensive line loss management, the project team deployed a complete metering automation system from China Southern Power Grid, realizing automatic collection and closed-loop management of electricity consumption data. Meanwhile, through systematic training, co-located offices, weekly joint line loss analysis, and other forms, the team helped the South Cairo Electricity Distribution Company establish independent capabilities in smart metering applications and line loss analysis and management.

Currently, the area has achieved 15-minute scale visual monitoring of the distribution network, with the comprehensive line loss rate decreasing by more than 11 percentage points, representing a relative loss reduction of over 70%. Key indicators such as the online rate of terminals and meters, and the success rate of meter reading have reached over 99%. The success of this pilot project not only brings considerable energy-saving and consumption-reduction benefits to the local area but also provides a verified, replicable systematic solution, contributing a mature and reliable Chinese solution to the digital upgrade of distribution networks in Egypt and even African countries.