Leading power and automation technology group ABB has clinched $60 million worth of orders to boost the power factor of 28 distribution sub-stations for the Saudi Electricity Company. Power factor is a measure of how efficiently power is being used. ABB is responsible for the design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of the projects, which are scheduled for completion by 2010. It will supply power-factor correction for 19 sub-stations rated 33/13.8 kV in central, southern and north-western provinces, and for nine 132/33 kV sub-stations in around the capital Riyadh. Products to be supplied include capacitor banks, reactors, medium-voltage switchgear, protection and control equipment and a SCADA system to help the utility manager power flow in the network. “These solutions will enable the sub-stations to operate more efficiently, thereby increasing the availability of electricity and improving power quality,” said ABB Power Systems division head Peter Leupp.
