Swiss technology firm ABB has sealed a deal with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to improve the efficiency of 22 power distribution substations in the Kingdom.
ABB will provide technologies to improve the power factor – an indicator of the usable power available in the grid – and will design, engineer, supply, install and commission the equipment. The project is expected to be completed by 2011.
The technologies will increase capacity, improve power quality and raise network efficiency and will be installed in 22 distribution substations serving the Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Ta’if areas. Products to be supplied include capacitor banks of various ratings, medium voltage switchgear, protection and control equipment and a SCADA system to help the utility to manage its power network more effectively.
“Improving the efficiency of the substations will increase power availability and help meet increasing demand for quality power in the region,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division.
SEC is Saudi Arabia’s national power transmission and distribution utility.