ABB wins $50-m HVDC order in Mozambique

LEADING power and automation technology group ABB has won an order worth around $50 million from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, S.A. to refurbish the Songo high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station in Mozambique.

The converter station and associated high-power equipment are key components in the 1,920 MW HVDC link transmitting clean hydropower from the Cahora Bassa hydro plant in Mozambique over 1,417 kilometres to the grid in South Africa, where coal-based thermal power is the main source of electricity.

This refurbishment project entails replacement of key equipment, including high-voltage transformers and direct current (DC) smoothing reactors. It will help to enhance power availability and improve system reliability, enabling HCB to honour their Power Purchase Agreement with Eskom, the leading South African utility. Export of renewable energy to South Africa, is an important source of income for Mozambique.

ABB will also supply and install arresters and measuring equipment as part of the turnkey project. The commissioning will be completed in two parts, the DC equipment in 2013 and the transformers a year later.

“The Songo HVDC link supports the integration of renewable energy and helps meet the growing demand for electricity. We are delighted to contribute to the development of power infrastructure in the region,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “This project also underlines our continued focus and commitment to growing our service business.”

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leading supplier for power infrastructure in Africa. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) power consumption is set to double between 2005 and 2040.

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