Secondary Power Distribution Substation
Digitalization of Secondary Substations (MV / Distribution / DSO)
Reinventing Distribution Substations to Make Them Smart and Flexible
As a leading secondary power distribution contractor, OMEXOM supports Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in the full digitalization of their secondary substation infrastructure. Distribution networks are on the front line: photovoltaics, storage, electric vehicles, flexibility – all of this brings new opportunities for microgrids.
To meet these challenges, OMEXOM supports operators in the digitalization of secondary substations, a key pillar of smart grids.
What Does a Secondary Power Distribution Contractor Do? – Digitalizing MV Substations
Digitalizing a secondary substation means equipping Medium Voltage (MV) infrastructure with intelligent solutions that enable:
- full remote control,
- real-time management,
- precise fault detection and isolation,
- controlled integration of renewable energies and EV charging stations,
- data collection and analysis for operations.
This also allows for the potential evolution towards predictive maintenance.
Substations become connected and controllable, resulting in a more robust and responsive network.
Secondary Power Distribution Automation – Key Capabilities
As specialists in secondary power distribution automation, OMEXOM enables DSOs to transform passive substations into fully automated, data-driven grid assets. Our automation solutions address the core challenges of modern distribution networks:
- Power quality & reduction of SAIDI and SAIFI
Outages are shorter and often avoided thanks to network self-reconfiguration. - Mass integration of renewable energies
Better understanding of the network downstream of the substation, simplified connections, and local balancing. - Acceleration of electric mobility
Anticipation of overloads, smart management of rapid charging points, and real-time operations. - Control & data
Complete real-time visualization of the network: capacity, voltage, flows, faults, and customer behavior.
Omexom – Your Secondary Power Distribution Substation Contractor A complete partner for DSOs
Thanks to its local and international presence, Omexom as your secondary power distribution substation contractor is involved across the entire value chain:
- MV substation engineering,
- Remote control and automation,
- Modernisation of cabinets,
- integration of RTUs (remote terminal units), sensors, smart meters,
- Supervision (A)DMS (distribution management system),
- OT (operational technology) cybersecurity,
- Communication solutions (fibre, radio, 4G LTE (long term evolution)…)
Integrated advanced technologies
- Smart MV automation
- Low-consumption IoT sensors
- Secure remote control
- Advanced measurement
- Network analysis platforms
Proven on-site expertise
Our teams operate in urban, rural, isolated, or island environments, with solutions tailored to local needs.
Project examples
- Deployment of FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) on a dense urban network, reducing outages by 60%
- Digitalization of a rural network with integration of IoT sensors and remote control
- Modernization of secondary substations to support large-scale EV deployment
- Implementation of an (A)DMS system for dynamic regulation of the MV network
OPS Solutions (Onshore Power Supply)
Providing Clean Energy to Ships at Berth .
Port electrification is one of the most demanding applications within secondary power distribution. As a full-service secondary power distribution contractor, Omexom extends its grid expertise directly into port infrastructure – delivering OPS (Onshore Power Supply) solutions that connect docked vessels to the onshore electricity network.
The decarbonization of maritime transport is accelerating. Increasingly, ports are requiring solutions that allow ships to connect directly to the electricity grid when docked, in order to shut down their auxiliary engines and reduce CO₂, NOx, SOx emissions and noise pollution.
Omexom supports this transition by supplying, integrating and upgrading OPS systems adapted to port terminals, for ferries, cargo ships and cruise liners.
OPS solutions require the same level of secondary power distribution automation and substation engineering that Omexom applies across MV grid projects. Concretely, our OPS systems allow:
- The ship to connect to the onshore grid
- High-power supply in compliance with international standards (IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005)
- Adapted voltage and frequency conversion for different vessel types (50/60 Hz)
- Rapid, safe and reliable connection via automated systems and supervision platforms
For ports, this is an immediate response to environmental and regulatory challenges. For shipowners, it is a simple and quick way to reduce their carbon footprint. These solutions also facilitate the acceptance of maritime transport by local communities.
Decarbonisation & regulatory compliance Reduction of polluting emissions in port areas, compliance with future European standards (FuelEU Maritime).
From 1st January 2030, the following vessel types must connect to OPS in European ports:
- Container ships > 5,000 GT
- Passenger vessels
This requirement will be reinforced up to 2035 to cover more situations.
Energy efficiency & availability Connection within minutes, stable and secure power supply, intelligent management of peak loads.
Modernisation of port infrastructure Adaptation of terminals for modern ships, preparation for the arrival of megawatt-charging for ferries & cruise ships.
Operational safety & reliability High-voltage secure systems, interlocks, and automated connection management.
Ability to Integrate Complete Solutions
Drawing on our core competency as a secondary power distribution substation contractor, OMEXOM provides full OPS expertise across:
- HV/MV electrical engineering & port electrical substations
- Frequency converters
- Ship-to-shore connection systems
- Automation & supervision
- OT cybersecurity
- Commissioning and maintenance
Omexom designs and installs:
- Port electrical substations HV/MV
- High-power frequency converters
- Ship-to-shore connection systems (HV plug, CMS, automatic arms…)
- Containerised or mobile OPS solutions, including the OnShoreBox, currently being developed with Iberian teams.
- Automation, protection, supervision and OT cybersecurity
- Integration with existing port management systems
With units based in Portugal and Spain, Omexom boasts:
- locally trained technical teams,
- in-depth knowledge of port and distribution networks,
- full intervention capabilities: engineering, installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance.
Our installations comply with global normative frameworks:
- IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-1 (high voltage)
- IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-2 (low voltage)
- IEC/ISO/IEEE 80005-3 (operational methods)
News related to Secondary Substations
Accéder à l'actualité Omexom completes its first full digital 225kV high voltage substation
Publié le- Distribution / Gas Insulated Substations / Innovation / Overhead Distribution Lines / Overhead transmission lines / Secondary Substations / Senegal / Substations / Underground distribution lines / Underground transmission lines
On May 27th, 2021, Omexom teams in Senegal and Morocco commissioned the very first full digital 225 kV high voltage substation on the african continent.
Global Reach, Local Expertise
With 570 business units across the world, we have strong connections with local suppliers and contractors, each offering unique capabilities. As a global EPC contractor and experienced secondary power distribution contractor, our collaborative approach ensures you benefit from the most capable team for your project.
Operating in 36 countries and working closely with local suppliers, we are committed to the highest standards of quality, health and safety, and environmental performance, delivering sustainable, efficient, and secure energy solutions worldwide
