ABB was awarded a contract valued at US$39 million from the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to improve the efficiency of power transmission and distribution in the country?s Eastern Province, according to a company statement.
The deal will see ABB design, engineer, supply, install and commission equipment including 13.8 kV capacitor banks for the existing substation infrastructure in 40 locations, which will help significantly reduce electricity losses and improve the stability and quality of power supply in the Kingdom. The fast track project is scheduled for completion by mid 2011.
The technologies used by ABB will improve the network's power factor, which is an indicator of the usable power available in the grid. Substations are key installations in improving a country's power grid as they protect and control the flow of electrical power. While capacitor banks improve the efficiency and reliability of the power network and will support the region?s growing need for power. Electricity demand in Saudi Arabia is set to grow by 10 per cent each year.
SEC is working hard to expand the country's electricity supply network and is partnering with a number of companies to build and support substations in the Kingdom. ABB has played an important role and as Peter Leupp, head of ABB?s Power Systems division, stated; ?ABB has executed similar orders and successfully commissioned several substations in the region. We are pleased to support SEC once again, in their efforts to build and strengthen the country?s power infrastructure.?
