Power systems equipment for Sonelgaz will increase reliable supplies of electricity
Zurich, Switzerland, October 4, 2006 - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, said today it won three contracts worth $70 million in total to supply power products and systems that will help Algeria meet rising demand for electricity.
The contracts – booked in the third quarter - are scheduled for completion in 15 months. They are the latest in a series of orders ABB has received from Société Nationale d'Electricité et du Gaz (Sonelgaz), the state-owned electricity and gas utility, designed to strengthen and increase Algeria’s electrical supplies.
“ABB products will help satisfy the rapidly growing demand for power in Algeria,” said Bernhard Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products division. “Our strong local presence here ensures this delivery will help secure a reliable supply of electricity.”
ABB has announced orders from Algeria this month worth about $500 million, including two major contracts from oil and gas company Sonatrach: $210 million for compressors and power systems to increase production at the Hassi R'Mel natural gas fields, and $215 million to supply pumping stations and automation systems for a 665-kilometer-long oil pipeline.
The work for Sonelgaz includes replacing transformers with a capacity of 60 to 80 Megavolt amperes (MVA) with 120 MVA transformers.
To meet power demands immediately, Sonelgaz also ordered two mobile substations rated 220 kilovolts (kV) and 60 kilovolts (kV) for installation in critical areas until fixed substations are completed.
The third contract involves the design, manufacture, testing, erection and commissioning of 60 kV gas-insulated switchgear, transformers and associated equipment. The ABB equipment will be made at factories in Spain, Italy and Germany.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 107,000 people.