The document is a magazine from ABB discussing solar power developments. It includes articles on ABB opening a new learning center in Abu Dhabi to provide training on solar products, partnerships with universities for graduate internships, and research into areas like solar desalination and cooling. It also discusses solar projects in countries like Italy, Saudi Arabia, India, and the UAE.

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contact
The customer magazine
of ABB in India,
Middle East & Africa
Generating power from the sun
R&D – the engine of ABB’s success 06
Accelerated learning for customers
Transforming energy systems 17
Saudi Arabia enters a new solar era
Spurring Africa’s growth 24
Custom-made solar solutions for a continent on the move

2. 06 R&D – the engine of ABB’s success
Learning Zone in Abu Dhabi provides
accelerated learning for customers
10 Shining a light on EURO 2012
Centralized intelligent lighting for large spaces
contact 2|12 Dear friends, help in harnessing the abundant sunlight
Solar power will undoubtedly play a in the Middle East and turning it into
central role in the energy mix in the cost-competitive electricity. Our turnkey
decade ahead. Spurred on by increasing photovoltaic and concentrated solar
domestic demand for power and water, (thermal) power plants represent forward
depleting hydrocarbon reserves, and the thinking, minimal operation costs and
competitiveness of emission-free solar maximum uptime.
power solutions against fossil-fueled
power systems, solar power has started Every hour the earth absorbs more
gaining more support across the region solar energy than the world’s population
– the Middle East has set targets to consumes in a year. In this issue of
become one of the biggest solar markets Contact magazine you can learn how we
in the world. help our customers in harnessing that
power.
Giuseppe Di Marco More and more governments in formerly
Country Manager and oil-branded countries in the Middle East Enjoy the read!
Chief Executive Officer have put mega spending plans into solar
ABB in Southern Gulf and Pakistan power on their agenda, recognizing Best regards,
the wider and strategic benefits of
investments into clean energy as the
huge job creation and diversification
shows potential. Giuseppe Di Marco
Through ABB’s approach that focuses on
all aspects of the plant deployment, we
Contact 2| 1 2 • Customer news magazine from ABB • copyright 2012 • web: www.abb.com • email: contactmagazine@in.abb.com • Publisher: ABB Group
• Layout: Shilahar Associates, Bangalore, India • Cover picture: De Nittis PV plant, Foggia – Puglia, Italy
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3. Table of contents
22
Solar integration and
export
Dedicated solutions
for grid integration and
commercialization of
solar power
19 Clean power from Mozambique
Songo-Apollo HVDC link to transmit 2 gigawatts power from the
hydro plant on the Zambezi river to neighboring South Africa
Local news 16 Going green with hybrid power plants
Complementing fuel generation with solar
04 Reinforcing sales energy for higher output
Closer to markets with new value providers 17 Transforming energy systems
07 Spotlight falls on solar desalination Saudi Arabia enters a new solar era
Innovative, energy-efficient technology for 18 Powering one of India’s largest solar plants
potable water 40 MW grid-connected solar power plant
commissioned in five months
Global news
08 Energy storage – why do we need it?
Events
Delivering reliable power on demand 20 Increasing energy efficiency in hotels
21 Managing a precious resource
Feature
12 Harnessing Italy’s solar power potential
For a better world
Delivering 14 PV power plants in Italy 23 Leading through innovation
Highly efficient CSP power plants
In focus
15 Lethabo plant goes on stream
Glimpses of ABB
Complementing fuel generation with solar 24 Spurring Africa’s growth
energy for higher output Custom-made solar solutions for a continent
on the move
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4. Local news
Reinforcing sales Boosting gas
Closer to the markets with new production
value providers EPC contractor
for condensate
stabilization plant
The Sultanate of Oman's natural gas
reserves are estimated at 849.5 billion
cubic meters. With the exploitation of its
gas fields and the opening of a processing
plant at Sur, on the coast south of Muscat,
natural gas is increasing in importance.
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) finds,
develops and operates natural gas fields
and their associated production systems all
on behalf of the Government of Oman. The
company delivers gas to the Government
Gas System, which supplies fuel for most
Authorized Value Provider - package handover to representatives of Powertech Switchgear of Oman's power stations and some of its
Industries industries, and to the Oman LNG plant
at Qalhat, near Sur. As part of its gas
FBM Trading LLC and Powertech objective of the program, where together production operations, PDO also supplies
Switchgear Industries FZE have become with our partners, we are seen as premium some 50,000 barrels per day (7,900 m3/d)
the first authorized value providers in the suppliers by end customers,” says Leela T of condensate liquid hydrocarbons that
United Arab Emirates (UAE) to distribute D’Souza, Manager, Process Development condense out of natural gas and about
and provide technical expertise for ABB and Channel Partner Program, ABB. 200 tons per day of liquefied petroleum
products. FBM will distribute low voltage Meanwhile, more partners have joined gas, which is chiefly used for cooking.
(LV) motors and Powertech is the first the program and are in the process of In the second half of 2012, PDO awarded
system integrator in the world for heating, authorization. ABB a contract worth more than $100
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in The AVP program is designed for million to build a condensate stabilization
the Authorized Value Provider Program distributors, technical distributors, system plant. The new plant will have the capacity
(AVP). integrators, service providers and panel to process 4,500 standard cubic meters
The trading of goods and related after- builders. It provides the third party of condensate per day and will be located
sales support is FBM’s core business. partners a unified, consistent solution for in the Ash-Sharqiyah region of north-east
It aims to be the leading service-driven our complete portfolio. This is reflected Oman, near the Saih Nihayda gas plant in
company and the preferred partner in the to the end customer in wider offerings, the northern part of the PDO concession
electrical business-to-business segment. availability to technical expertise and area. The facility will be used as a backup
Powertech is one of the leading LV panel easily recognizable retailer. Our partners for the existing central processing plant
builders in the UAE, with a team of over are capable of supplying the very best to ensure continued gas production for
95 qualified, experienced and trained customer service as they work to high, PDO’s domestic and export customers.
personnel, modern equipment and audited standards.
production facilities in Dubai and Ajman. For more information: www.abb.com/drives
“We are proud to be awarded the
AVP for sales, support and engineering
services. The program was comprehensive,
facilitating communication and coordination
between both our teams, and reinforcing
the existing trust and support; so critical
to working together successfully on
forthcoming projects in the UAE,” says
Arthi Srinivasan, Business Strategy and
Operations, Powertech Switchgear
Industries.
“The program establishes partnerships,
enabling consistent quality of the network
offering and improving channel management
and channel support. This will fulfill the View of an Oil Gas plant
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5. Local news
Reducing costly Dubai Solar Park
downtime in Qatar gains momentum
Alongside engineering, procurement Plans to build The Mohammed bin
and construction (EPC), we will undertake Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park in the United
project management, training, testing Arab Emirates were unveiled earlier this
and on-site support for operation and year and form part of the Dubai Integrated
maintenance after start-up. In addition, Energy Strategy 2030 vision to turn Dubai
we will supply power equipment such into an environmentally focused city. The
as low and medium voltage switchgear, first phase of the project will comprise a
power transformers, the electrical control 10 MW photovoltaic (PV) plant and is
system, as well as continuous emission expected to start operating in 2013. By
monitoring systems and other analytical Looking over the Vacuum Pressure Impregnation 2030, the park will have a combined
instrumentation. (VPI) tank at the new workshop capacity of 1000 MW. This first phase will
“This contract underscores ABB’s be financed by Dubai's Supreme Council
trusted technology leadership to deliver From Qatar to sub-Saharan Africa, of Energy (SCE) and operated by Dubai
full-scope projects to our oil and gas over 4,000 ABB electrical motors and Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
customers,” says Saeed Fahim, ABB’s generators are running 24/7; without This project is in line with the
Country Manager in Oman. “Our industry them many businesses would grind to a UAE's Green Economy for Sustainable
expertise and global and local resources halt. Tough operating conditions such as Development initiative – a long-term
will help this project to be implemented high ambient temperatures, humidity, dirt, national strategy which was first launched
and operated successfully, from design or heavy loads can significantly shorten in January 2012 by HH Mohammed bin
to start-up." component lifetimes, thus maintenance Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and
The project is central to PDO’s goal is imperative. Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler
to sustain gas flows from its main gas The new joint venture ABB-Oryx of Dubai. Through this operation, the
production facilities in the north part maintenance workshop that opened in government set a list of priorities which
of PDO concession area. The plant is Qatar will reduce downtime by six to eight would help forge a successful path towards
scheduled for completion by the end of weeks increasing industrial productivity and sustainable development, covering the
2014. carrying out motor and generator repairs. fields of green energy, green economy,
For more information: www.abb.com/oilandgas It will also lower the environmental impact green city, green policy and programs,
and reduce costs and risks of shipping green technology and green living.
equipment for repairs to India, Switzerland ABB has been a trusted strategic partner
or South Africa. for DEWA for many years, collaborating
Specialist teams will provide full support on power generation and transmission
in case of emergency. Additionally, the of joint landmark projects and is now
service offers spare parts and maintenance set to contribute with its expertise and
kits.The repair work will be carried out groundbreaking solutions to the fulfillment
either at the workshop or remotely on of the Emirate's vision. Dubai's integrated
site. The on-site field services will cover Energy Strategy for 2030 envisions 5
the commissioning and installation of percent of total power input of the city
motors and generators together with will come from solar power. In addition, the
preventive maintenance backed by our park will help to protect the region's natural
Life Expectancy Analysis Program (LEAP). resources and surrounding environment.
For more information: www.abb.com/motors PV technology has been chosen for this
www.abb.com/drives first phase of the solar park because it can
be directly connected to DEWA's existing
grid. However, in the long run, a significant
share is expected to be harvested with
concentrated solar power (CSP)solutions.
In addition, DEWA plans to build a research
and development facility to help promote
Dubai as a leader in solar energy.
For more information: www.abb.com/solar
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6. Local news
R&D – the engine of ABB’s
success
Learning Zone in Abu Dhabi provides accelerated learning for customers through
workshops, demos and hands-on training on solar products and equipment
I
nnovation is at the heart of ABB’s long-
term success. With the aim of enabling
sustainable solar penetration in both
the world’s and Middle East’s energy
supply, ABB constantly focuses on its
future approach, through research and
development investments, technology
ventures and learning initiatives.
In 2011, US$1.37 billion, about 3.6
percent of the company’s revenue, was
directed to ongoing and new research
and development projects. Employing over
7,500 highly skilled people, the projects are
launched and driven in strong cooperation
with the business units, as well as with
private or governmental customers, which
ensures their pertinence for the sector’s
future needs and opportunities.
Technology ventures and partnerships,
such as the acquisition of 35 percent of
Novatec Solar, the world’s leading provider
of Linear Fresnel CSP or the investment
in GreenVolts, the prime developer of
fully integrated CPV systems are just Solar augmented reality tool available at ABB's Learning Zone at HQ Abu Dhabi
two examples of ABB’s innovation-driven
strategic corporate partnerships in the Higher education partnerships areas, CPV with electric chillers for higher
solar industry. In the summer of 2012, ABB hosted insulation, higher temperature areas, CSP
in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE graduate with absorption chillers when co-generation
Learning Zone opens its doors students from the EPFL Energy (electricity and cooling) is needed.
ABB’s ongoing solar related research, Management and Sustainability Master
of increased relevance to the Middle East’s Course in internship programs dedicated Energy storage solutions
energy scene, focuses on hot topics, such to Solar Business Development and to Cooling needs tend to match the
as solar desalination, solar cooling or High Sustainability issues. insulation profile during the day (lower
Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission ABB’s portfolio comprises the wide needs in the night, higher needs in the
of solar power. ABB manages to enhance range of solar technologies: Photovoltaic middle of the day). However, the cooling
the impact of its generated know-how by plants (PV), Concentrated Photovoltaic needs also extend in the evenings and
additionally investing in its dissemination. plants (CPV) and Concentrated Thermal require energy storage. ABB is developing
In October 2012, ABB opened the Solar Power (CSP). This enables a efficient solutions for energy storage for all
Learning Zone at HQ, Abu Dhabi, to technology-agnostic approach and the solar technologies, ranging from batteries
enhance customers’ skills through development of the optimum solution for to molten salt solutions.
interactive workshops, hands-on training a given location and application. A similar R&D approach is taken to
and product demonstrations. This will Locations benefiting from high insulation address solar desalination solutions. The
enable our customers to choose, operate also need fresh water and cooling facilities. multiple options for solar and desalination
and maintain their equipment. With the ABB Corporate Research has established technologies are being studied for different
help of the augmented solar reality tool, partnerships with companies and institutes types of applications including municipal
students can navigate through and explore from the Middle East and Europe in order sectors (urban and rural) as well as industrial
the complexities of a photovoltaic solar to study the best solar cooling solutions, sectors.
power plant. PV with electric chillers for lower insulation For more information: www.abb.com/solar
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7. Local news
Spotlight falls on solar
desalination
Innovative, energy-efficient technology addresses the challenge of providing fresh
drinking water in water-scarcity zones
A
t present, countries in the discuss ABB’s technology geared
Middle East face a major towards the water industry. Solar
water challenge due to the desalination offers one the most
scarcity and rapid depletion promising options for the use of solar
of freshwater resources. This is further energy. ABB has a strong pedigree in
complicated by the heavy financial solar desalination technology and is
and economic burden in providing well placed to support the region in its
desalinated and treated wastewater. development.”
So at the 10th Gulf Water Conference At the conference, a white paper
in Doha, Qatar discussions took place on ‘Solar Desalination: Important
which covered water security and food Technology Aspects,’ was presented by
sustainability, management of natural Shrikant Bhat, Control and Optimization
resources, groundwater and surface Group, Research Department, and
water including the management of Senthilmurugan S, from ABB’s Water
the municipal water sector and finally Industry business.
desalination technologies – the topic In addition, ABB took the opportunity
ABB focused on. to discuss and present solutions,
Solar desalination is a technique systems and products for the water
used to desalinate water using solar industry as a whole with specific focus
energy. High drinkable water scarcity on desalination, solar, pumping stations,
zones usually correspond to high Direct water distribution and irrigation networks.
Normal Irradiance (DNI) areas such as For more information: www.abb.com/solar
the Middle East. ABB offers products
for the complete water cycle from
collection, through purification and
transportation to distribution and re-
use, serving customers with enhanced,
efficient and reliable products and
solutions. Therefore, ABB’s innovative
energy-efficient desalination technology
for the water industry evoked a lively
debate at the event, among researchers,
executives, decision and policy makers,
and other stakeholders.
Focus on energy efficiency
Desalination plants play an essential
role where increasing demand for
potable water outpaces the availability of
natural resources. Our portfolio includes
a wide range of products and solutions
for Reverse Osmosis (RO), Multi-Stage
Flash (MSF), Multiple-Effect Distillation
(MED) and hybrid desalination plants,
with a specific focus on energy efficiency.
Juha Alopaeus, Country Manager, Leading innovation in solar desalination technology
ABB in Qatar said: “The conference
offered a useful platform to share and
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8. Global news
Energy storage –
why do we need it?
Delivery of power on demand depends on reliable energy stores
to provide power bridges that support short-term gaps, safe
shutdown and back-up needs
I
t’s not that energy storage is a whole new changes and can only generate power
concept, it has, in fact, been an integral intermittently and with a highly variable
component of electricity generation, output. This is where energy storage plays
transmission and distribution systems for a crucial part in supporting the grid −
more than a century. Traditionally, energy when the wind is blowing or the sun is
storage needs have been met by physically shining, excess power should be stored
storing fuels for fossil-fuelled power plants, and made available during both, suboptimal
and by using generated power in pumped generating conditions and during peak
hydro storage schemes. demand.
Recently however, there has been a Such fundamental changes in the
shift in the power landscape towards using architecture and controllability of the grid
and integrating renewable energy, mostly must be supported by smart, efficient power
wind and solar energy. Although renewable transmission and distribution networks. For
power generation is more sustainable in these networks to deliver and distribute
the long run, the delivery of reliable power power efficiently, the storage of energy at
on demand remains a major challenge. appropriate times and locations becomes
Wind and solar power installations vital; both, to balance generation with
are affected by seasonal and diurnal consumption, and to maintain grid stability.
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9. Global news
The right energy storage solution for To provide additional power to the grid Dynamic energy storage installation
the job on demand, we supplied and installed in the UK
ABB has a long history of delivering a battery energy storage solution using ABB recently worked with UK Power
energy storage solutions, including pumped Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries that can Networks, which supplies power to over
hydropower schemes that go back over a provide one megawatt of power for a eight million homes and businesses in
century and more than a decade’s experience duration of 15 minutes. the UK, to develop a dynamic energy
in battery energy storage systems. The storage facility is integrated with storage solution. The installation enables
Our technologies address a wide range of EKZ’s power distribution network and is renewable energy generated by local wind
power needs from merely tens of kilowatts being used to evaluate performance in power plants to be fed into the power
up to hundreds of megawatts, thus, utilities, key areas such as balancing peak loads, network when needed. It also ensures that
industrial customers and rail operators intermittent power supply and the viability some of the energy is kept in reserve to
around the world continue to deploy these of the solution for grid optimization. regulate power flow to compensate for the
technologies. These facilities help balance intermittence of wind power and to support
power demands and supplies, by stabilizing Battery energy storage increases the power quality in the event of a fault.
network voltages and frequencies, providing role of renewables in Sweden To meet these needs, we implemented a
power bridges to support short-term gaps, Falbygdens Energi is a Swedish utility turnkey DynaPeaQ® solution, incorporating
and safe shutdown and back-up needs. with a significant portion of wind power SVC Light®, which included eight stacks
Eventually, our solutions are designed to connected to the grid in the Swedish city of 13 Li-ion battery modules located in an
enhance flexibility, increase energy securities of Falköping. 11 kV grid.
and minimize environmental impacts. ABB was selected to supply an Together, these high-power density
Examples of our recent installations innovative dynamic energy storage solution, modules can store up to 200 kilowatt hours
worldwide include Switzerland, Sweden for the utility’s power distribution network, (kWh) of electrical energy.
and the UK. to maximize the integration of renewables The installation provides dynamic voltage
into the power chain. For this project, we control in the distribution system and, at
Switzerland’s largest battery energy utilized our battery energy storage expertise the same time, enables dynamic storage
storage project to store locally produced energy from wind of surplus energy from the wind power
ABB recently commissioned the largest turbines to create a storage capacity of plant. This surplus energy is used to level
battery energy storage project of its 75 kilowatts (kW) in cycles of up to 60 out peaks in grid loading to provide grid
kind in Switzerland with EKZ, a leading minutes. The stored energy will then be stability.
distribution utility and one of the largest used to stabilize the grid and help balance For more information:
energy companies in Switzerland. peak loads during the day. www.abb.com/energyefficiency
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10. Global news
Shining
a light on
EURO 2012
60,000 football fans enjoyed ideal lighting
conditions throughout the Group matches
and during the knockout stages with
centralized, intelligent lighting controls for
large spaces
A
s the 14th UEFA European look at the action on the pitch. During the connected the lighting systems in the
Football Championship EURO three Group B matches, in the evenings, stadium from the locker rooms to the
2012, kicked off, all eyes were fans and players alike, depended on optimal VIP lounge and the KNX-based building
on Poland, one of the hosts of lighting throughout the stadium, creating control system helped rapidly control the
the event, where 16 teams were battling bright moments off the field. Our control brightness and light so that the fans got
it out for the coveted trophy. system ensured that no one had to sit or the best football experience.
On June 9, 2012, 30,000 football fans play in the dark. It provided centralized Many English and French football fans
gathered beneath the lights controlled control of lighting systems and, through its had already experienced optimal lighting
by ABB’s i-bus ® KNX technology at the intelligent software provided energy-efficient at the airport of Donetsk, Ukraine, where
Arena Lviv stadium in the Ukraine while lighting by optimizing the brightness of the our modern building system technologies
watching Germany play Portugal at Arena stadium to suit the natural light conditions. controlled the lights, and guided football
Lviv, a dedicated football stadium and one On June 11, Sweden played Ukraine fans towards their group matches.
of eight around the world to host UEFA’s in the first of the tournament matches ABB has been part of such big events in
Euro 2012. at the Stadium, in Kiev. At this stadium stadiums similar to those used in the Euro
Although the stadium was reputed to 60,000 football fans enjoyed ideal lighting Cup on earlier occasions, like the 2010
be the smallest venue, rather than its size conditions throughout the group’s matches World Cup. At this event we supplied dry-
counting against it, proved to be an added and during the knockout stages. type transformers which served the Green
attraction for football fans for an up close One hundred i-bus KNX DALI gateways Point stadium in Cape Town, which has
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11. Global news
Our technologies make us partners in major sports stadiums around the world
a retractable roof and a seating capacity
of 68,000. Similar transformers in the 500
to 1000 kVA range have been installed
KNX: One system. One standard.
in the Soccer City stadium, located in
Soweto, Johannesburg. This stadium, with
Many interconnected functions.
a seating capacity of around 100,000, was – Maximum flexibility
the focal point of the tournament and was – Offers safety and security for both people and property
chosen as the venue for the opening and – Energy–saving with climate, shutter, heating and lighting control
closing ceremonies and key matches of – Quick and simple adaptation to individual needs and use of premises, such
the tournament. as sports stadiums
For more information: www.abb.com/knx – Replaces separate control solutions typical of technology with a single,
optimal, energy–efficient system
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12. Feature
DeNittis PV plant, Foggia – Puglia, Italy
Photovaltaic panels
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13. Feature
Harnessing
Italy’s solar
power potential
Successful delivery of 14 photovoltaic power plants in Italy with
a combined generating capacity of 100 MW in just 9 months
2
011 was a year of intense activity in
the solar photovoltaic (PV) market.
With new installations adding 29
gigawatts (GW) of solar energy
ABB solar offerings
across the globe, the solar PV market
marked a tremendous 58 percent year-on- – Turnkey solution – design, engi- – Remote monitoring, operation,
year growth. Italy came to the forefront as neering, supply, installation and diagnostics and maintenance
the single largest solar market, for the first commissioning from a dedicated control center in
time overtaking Germany, the world leader – Quick turnaround – qualifies our a remote location
in PV. As the engineering, procurement and customers for high feed-in tariff – Full range of power and automa-
construction (EPC) partner of 14 PV plants, – Trusted engineering, procurement tion equipment − transformers,
ABB was ready to step up to the challenge and construction (EPC) consortium switchgear, inverters, protection
when the window of opportunity appeared. partner devices, medium voltage cabi-
We are proud of having taken part in this – Best-in-class substation monitor- nets, medium and high voltage
defining moment in Italy’s solar power ing and control system − efficiently cables, distributed control sys-
industry especially as this is a success transfers power from plant to grid tems and control software, low
we can replicate elsewhere in the world. – High optimization and low power voltage systems, auxiliary systems
losses − push peak performance (such as lighting and ventilation)
The challenge ratio above customer expectations
Setting up the 24 megawatt (MW) – Electrical balance of plant (EBoP)
Canino PV power plant in Lazio was a test solution
of our mettle in end-to-end project delivery.
There were many layers of complexity in the
execution of the project: hilly terrain, poor
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14. Feature
soil condition, the magnitude of installation for a large-scale roof-top PV plant. Located
over a 95-hectare site and just as daunting, on the roof of a commercial building in
management of a 500-strong workforce. the town of Cairo Montenotte, the plant
Civil works, installation and commissioning incorporates 3,840 PV panels on fixed
were carried out simultaneously at different structures and provides 0.864 MW of
places on the site and the plant was electric power. This power is not used by
delivered in just five months. the facility; instead it is transferred to a 15
The Canino plant supplies 103,488 kilovolt (kV) distribution network.
modules, making it the largest lease financing
PV project ever undertaken in Italy. As a The success
result of high optimization and substantially Our turnkey solutions reduce the cost
lower power losses, the site is operating at and risk of constructing and operating
87 percent instead of the expected peak photovoltaic power plants, consequently
performance ratio of 81.5 percent. allowing for rapid deployment. It was a real
In Foggia, three plants with a combined challenge to meet the time constraints on
capacity of 39 MW were completed six the delivery of all 14 power plants. Even so,
weeks ahead of schedule. We were 12 were completed ahead of schedule and
responsible for remote monitoring the a 24 MW plant was built and commissioned
plants from a dedicated PV control center in five months.
A trusted partner for turnkey solar PV plants in Genoa, almost 400 miles distant. Also There is good reason why we are second
in Foggia, four plants in a 10-kilometer to none in speed and efficiency: for one,
area were set up three weeks ahead of as leaders in power and automation, we
time, despite delays caused by heavy draw on our vast manufacturing capacity
Over a period of 45 years winter rains. The multi-plant project has for solutions. Both, procurement channels
we have successfully a combined capacity of 15 MW. and supply chain processes are designed
The Helios ITA-3 parks with two 5 MW for speed and efficiency. Secondly, we
completed 300 EPC plants, in Brindisi and Mesagne were meet pressing deadlines by successfully
projects worldwide in completed in under ten weeks, well ahead collaborating with local subcontractors in
diverse industries. of schedule and under budget. Each plant Italy with a proven track record. Lastly, our
comprises 22,500 polycrystalline modules EPC competence and electrical expertise
mounted on single-axis trackers. Remote come into play in managing and executing
operation and maintenance are carried out complex processes on site.
via the control center in Genoa. In conclusion, we have a long and
In Sicily our company was the EPC successful track record as EPC partners.
contractor for Falck Renewables that Over a period of 45 years we have
operates solar, wind, biomass and waste- successfully completed 300 EPC projects
to-energy plants in Italy, UK, France and worldwide in diverse industries – power
Spain. The three PV power plants at generation, oil and gas and water, to name
Spinasanta, Cardonita and Sugherotorto a few. With our EPC center of excellence
with a combined generating capacity of located in Genoa we were perfectly
13.1 MW use almost 57,000 photovoltaic positioned to execute turnkey projects
cells and a support structure at a tilt angle for the local Italian market.
of 20 degrees. For more information: www.abb.com/solar
In Liguria we provided a turnkey solution
Did you know?
ABB has long been at the forefront of solutions for the world’s first
the solar power industry. integrated solar and combined cycle
In the 1980s ABB developed the plant power plants in Algeria, Egypt and
automation platform for the world’s the United States.
first concentrating solar power (CSP) And, in PV power plants we have an
test facility in Spain, and is now a extensive reference list of solutions
leading supplier of turnkey CSP plants that not only covers the length and
based on the uniquely cost-effective breadth of Italy, but much of the
technology of its partner, Novatec Solar. northern Mediterranean as well.
In 2010 we delivered comprehensive
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15. In focus
Lethabo plant goes
on stream
ABB builds first South African solar power plant in record time as part of a pilot
scheme to reduce the national utility's carbon footprint
system that optimizes the number of panels
connected to each inverter enabling the
plant to harness more energy at all times,
even during periods of poor light like dawn,
dusk and cloudy weather.
ABB’s turnkey solution included
the design, engineering, erection, grid
connection and commissioning of the
groundbreaking solar plants. The electrical,
control and automation equipment as well
as the optimization technologies to be
deployed were also manufactured by us.
Rapid delivery was facilitated by our
well-proven concept of pre-assembled,
factory-tested electrical balance of plant
modules, and by our expertise in project
execution, which, in the case of Lethabo
and Kendal, have cut weeks off the
conventional delivery time to enable the
plants to be fully operational in record time.
For more information: www.abb.com/solar
The inaugural ceremony at the Lethabo solar PV plant in November 2011
“The world-class technology will give ABB in
C
South Africa the opportunity to transfer skills
ompleting the first South African an annual production potential of 11.4 in solar technology, further complementing
solar power plant in record time, million kWh. This project was successfully and enhancing local capabilities in engineering
and project management."
ABB has surpassed industry launched on November 25, 2011.
expectations. The greenfield Both PV projects form part of a pilot – Goetz-Dietrich Wolff
photovoltaic (PV) power plant, based scheme aimed at eventually reducing Manager of Power Generation business in
adjacent to the Lethabo power station Eskom’s carbon footprint. To optimize South Africa
in Gauteng, was completed in just 75 productivity, high-efficiency ABB
days and will provide power for the plant’s monocrystalline PV panels were selected
administration buildings, while reducing because of their uniquely efficient concept
the facility’s auxiliary power consumption. for PV power plants. The approach
The Lethabo project, which was combined high levels of customization, rapid
commissioned by Eskom, South turnkey delivery and system optimization
Africa’s national utility, was inaugurated technologies that enable the plants to
in November 2011 by national Public generate around 20 percent more energy
Enterprises Minister, Malusi Gigaba. ABB than alternative designs.
was tasked with pioneering a single axis The PV plants are designed to operate
tracking solar PV system with a peaking independently to produce electrical power
capacity of 575 kilowatts (kW) and an for use by the existing power stations and
annual production potential of 12.5 million will be capable of remote operation and
kilowatt hours (kWh). monitoring.
Similarly, ABB also won the Eskom The technologies, several of which are
PV contract for installing a fixed-tilt solar patented by us, include a programmable
PV power plant at the Kendal station, in logic controller (PLC) that increases tracker
Mpumalanga, with a 620 kW capacity and accuracy and an automatic switching
contact 2 | 12 15

16. In focus
Going green with hybrid
power plants
Complementing fuel generation with solar energy for higher output and lower fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions
A
t present, fossil fuels dominate the
electricity generation landscape
of the Middle East where, both
the costs of inland fuel-burning
and the environmental impact of CO 2
emissions have raised concerns.
ABB’s integrated solar combined cycle
(ISCC) addresses this issue by employing
the region’s abundant solar irradiance into
highly efficient, reliable and environmentally-
friendly hybrid power plants. The concept
combines conventional fossil fuel-powered
steam turbines and a solar thermal steam
generator to provide reliable and clean
power.
Unlike classic, open-cycle, gas-fired
power plants, releasing high temperature
flue gasses directly into the atmosphere,
ABB’s combined cycle solution makes
use of this residual thermal energy, by
producing steam in a heat recovery steam
generator (HRSG). In parallel to this heat
recovery generated steam, ABB Novatec’s
Fresnel-based solar boilers produce a World’s first solar hybrid coal-fired power station of ABB in Liddell, Australia
second stream of superheated steam.
Due to the high solar thermal steam was completed in January 2012. The 9.3 60 percent. The on-site infrastructure,
parameters achieved in the solar boilers, megawatt (MW) power station consists together with the pre-existing operating
the two streams can operate independently, of four rows of linear Fresnel reflectors, licenses, further enhance our high-efficient,
resulting in high flexibility. covering an area of 18,000 square meters, clean electricity generation concept into a
almost the size of three football fields. profitable turnkey solution.
Increased energy efficiency – decreased ABB innovation and development of
emissions Enhanced oil recovery hybrid power plants provide a more energy-
This solar-augmentation process results Apart from utility electricity generation, efficient option for electricity generation in
in an increase of output power of the the idea of complementing fuel generation the Middle East, which relies heavily on
otherwise low-efficiency, fossil fuel-fired with solar energy can be particularly fossil fuels. In addition, the EOR method
power plants. In addition, it results in a useful for reducing the fuel consumption can increase the amount of oil extracted
significant reduction in fuel consumption of energy-intensive industries. For the by using solar generated steam – both
and CO2 emissions. This hybrid approach major oil producers in the Gulf Cooperation technologies are a vital step forward to
with the integration of solar power helps Council (GCC), the solar-based enhanced lowering the environmental impact of CO2
mitigate the effects of the fluctuant nature oil recovery (EOR) displays the potential emissions, which is an increasingly pressing
of solar irradiation. By modulating the fuel of significantly increasing the amount of issue, both in the Middle East and around
input of the plant, these fluctuations can extracted crude oil, while lowering the fuel the world.
be compensated, resulting in a permanent costs. By injecting solar generated steam For more information: www.abb.com/solar
coverage of the grid’s power needs. into the oil beds and heating them, the
ABB Novatec’s power plant in Liddell, viscosity of the heavy crude oil can be
Australia, is the world’s first integration reduced and facilitate its pumping to the
of solar thermal technology with a surface. Already technologically proven,
traditional coal-fired power station. The the concept can increase the amount of
project commenced in early 2011 and extractable oil from aging wells by upto
16 contact 2 | 12

17. In focus
Novatec Solar technology holds the key to renewable energy development
Transforming energy systems
Saudi Arabia enters a new solar era as renewable energy options hold the promise
of sustainable and efficient generation of electricity
T
he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is sources to achieve its overall renewable renewable energy as an alternative source
likely to spearhead the region‘s energy target. The CSP target could be to meet the growing domestic demand.
emerging trend towards responsible for the generation of 75 to About 20 percent of the country’s electricity
adoption of alternative and 110 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity per is produced currently by utilizing exhaust
renewable sources of energy. In 2010, annum once it starts operations. gases old power plants and through solar
the Government of KSA established the According to research report, 'GCC energy projects.
Saudi Energy Efficiency Board (SEEC), Renewable Energy Sector Analysis,'
as energy efficiency was identified as a solar holds the key to renewable energy ABB as preferred partner
national priority. One of the objectives development in the Gulf Cooperation We have been working closely with the
of the SEEC was to propose a national Council (GCC) region as it is the single public utilities, Saudi Aramco, the world’s
energy efficiency plan in order to rationalize most abundant renewable source of energy largest oil producer, and the KA-CARE,
energy usage in the country. Thus, KSA's available there. Huge investments and the Saudi government body responsible to
first grid-connected solar power plant research studies are happening in efforts drive renewable energy. We are committed
was inaugurated in 2011. The Kingdom of to tap the solar energy in the region as to be a strong industry partner and play a
Saudi Arabia is entering into a new era of part of the renewable energy development. leading strategic role in order to achieve
producing electricity through solar energy Almost 85 to 90 percent of the money being the Kingdom's ambitions to transform
in the country. Saudi Arabia launched its spent on renewable energy development its energy system into a sustainable and
first solar power plant on Farasan Island is being put in solar energy. The research efficient generation park. Localization,
in June last year. This marked a significant report documents all the initiatives being knowledge transfer, R&D efforts, education
step in the government's efforts to produce taken in the individual countries to help are just some keywords which explain what
clean energy. boost their power production from solar partnership means for us.
energy. The future of solar power in the For more information: www.abb.com/solar
Solar – key to a bright future GCC region, according to the report, is as
Saudi Arabia has set an ambitious target bright as sunshine.
of installing more than 40 gigawatts (GW) Saudi Arabia is one of the top ranked
of solar power capacity by 2032, of which, nations with respect to residential
60 percent would come from concentrated consumption of electricity. Almost half of
solar power (CSP) and remaining from its power consumption is accounted for
photovoltaics (PV). Concentrating solar by residents.The key drivers for a strong
power technology is being looked at as initiative towards renewable energy is the
a pathbreaking initiative by the country growing understanding and acceptance
as it will need to install much more CSP by the public and private sector of the
capacity than any other country has ever benefits of using solar power.
done, while continuing to develop other The government has been pushing for
contact 2 | 12 17

18. In focus
Powering one of India’s
largest solar plants
40 MW grid-connected solar power plant in Gujarat commissioned in just five
months for Adani Group, who made a paradigm shift from thermal to solar power
generation
I
nfrastructure conglomerate, Adani
Group, commissioned a 40-megawatt
(MW) solar power plant in Bitta in
Gujarat's Bhuj district in December
2011. The plant marks Adani Group’s
foray into the renewable energy sector
and was commissioned in a record time
of five months. Over four lakh thin film
photovoltaic (PV) modules are mounted
on approximately 21,700 mounting
structures to generate 40 megawatts
of electricity. The Group envisions
setting up an even bigger 100 MW solar
power plant in the future, as a further
commitment towards clean and green
energy. Currently, the power generated
from this solar plant is connected to
Netra substation in the same district.
For ABB, this was one of the biggest
solar substation orders in India. The
scope included supply, erection and
commissioning of a 66 kilovolt (kV)
switchyard with two 66/11 kV, 25/31.5
megavolt amperes (MVA) power Adani's 40 MW solar plant in Bitta
transformers, 11 kV medium voltage
indoor switchgear, 10 two-way ring main national level. Gujarat’s solar capacity
units (RMU) and 18 three-way RMUs. today corresponds to two-thirds of the
Dhinesh D, Project Manager for the installed capacity of the entire nation.
Power Systems business, ABB in India For more information: www.abb.com/solar
said, “Meeting the rigorous parameters
set by the customer, within the short
time frame specified, proved to be a
tremendous challenge. Despite this, we
were able to deliver all products, from
transformers to RMUs, on time. The solid
Did you know?
support of our supply chain and divisions – We are partners in diverse – In Surendranagar we supplied two
and the overall coordination of effort photovoltaic solar plant projects PVS 800, 500 kW solar inverters
was critical to the successful execution across Gujarat, varying in scale and one 1,250 kVA solar compact
of this project.”We are also executing from 1 to 40 MW, and in location substation for Rajesh Power
from desert to inland waterways. Services Private Limited’s 1 MW
765 kV projects for Adani Group in other
– In Chandrasan, we supplied the plant, commissioned ahead of
locations; in Tiroda, Koradi and Akola.
compact substation and ring main schedule.
The Group’s entry into the solar
unit for SunEdison’s 1 MW canal-
space was greatly facilitated by
top solar power plant that covers
Gujarat Government’s policies and the
a one-kilometer stretch of the
preferential tariff regime established to
Narmada Canal.
encourage participation of developers
in this priority area. This state-specific
initiative has set an example at the
18 contact 2 | 12

19. In focus
HVDC transformer at Songo
Clean power from Mozambique
Songo-Apollo HVDC link to transmit 2 gigawatts power from the hydro plant on
the Zambezi river to neighboring South Africa
A
small but fast growing eco- In 2006, Eskom contracted ABB to
nomy, Mozambique in south- upgrade the Apollo converter station’s
east Africa is poised to capacity from 1,920 MW to 2,500 MW,
become the largest exporter and also lay the groundwork for a future
of coal, and with hydro power and more upgrade to 3,960 MW. Now ABB is
recently, the discovery of two enormous modernizing Apollo’s sister station in
gas fields in Mozambique waters, a Mozambique.
major energy exporter. The capacity at Songo station
The Cahora Bassa hydro plant on remains the same, but it will get new
the Zambezi river produces 2,075 converter transformers, smoothing Cahora Bassa Dam, Mozambique
megawatts (MW), most of which is reactors, arresters and measuring
exported to neighboring South Africa equipment. The DC equipment will be pool, and the HVDC transmission line
via a 1,400 kilometer (km) high voltage commissioned in the second half of linking it to the South African market
direct current (HVDC) transmission line. 2013 and the transformers a year later. will provide an efficient highway for the
Jointly owned by Hidroeléctrica de As with the Apollo upgrade, this project plant’s output for years to come.
Cahora Bassa in Mozambique and will enhance availability and reliability, Demand for clean energy is increasing
Eskom, South Africa’s public utility, the ensuring a steady flow of power from rapidly and infrastructure projects like
HVDC transmission system comprises Cahora Bassa. Songo will play a vital role in the African
two parallel lines stretching from the The two gigawatts of clean, reliable continent’s economic success story.
Songo converter station in Mozambique hydropower supplied by Mozambique For more information:
to the Apollo station near Johannesburg. is critical to South Africa, beset www.abb.com/energyefficiency
First installed in the late 1970s, the with recurring power shortages. For
Songo-Apollo link was largely destroyed Mozambique, the energy exports
during 25 years of civil war. Finally, a represent an important source of
restoration project repaired or replaced income. The Cahora Bassa plant is
nearly all the 4,200 transmission line already one of the largest generation
towers, bringing the system back online facilities in the South African power
in 1998.
contact 2 | 12 19

20. Events
Hotel Show, Dubai
Increasing energy efficiency in hotels
Rising energy demands and energy costs
world over have brought more and more
people around to the view that energy
efficiency is the alternative fuel. At The Hotel
Show in Dubai, UAE, ABB showcased the
i-bus® KNX technology which encourages
efficient energy usage. Meanwhile, the
thrice-nominated KNX team from ABB in
Egypt walked away with the 2012 KNX
Award at the Light and Building Fair in
Frankfurt, Germany.
“The hotel industry has started to focus Automation solutions for buildings
more on automated solutions that provide
greater energy efficiency, convenience and
ease of use. Buildings with our technology
are easier to manage and control, it allows
an everyday working or living environment
to be easily adapted to the individual’s
needs while saving energy.”
– Tarek Zakaria, regional manager for
KNX building technology, Middle East and
Africa
Solarcon, Bangalore and Renewable Energy World, New Delhi
Capturing the power of the sun
With the world’s focus firmly on the need
for increasing the proportion of renewables
in the energy mix, ABB shared its portfolio
of solar energy solutions at Renewable
Energy World 2012 exposition in New Delhi
and SOLARCON in Bangalore.
“The intensive preparation that went
into displaying our solar portfolio and the
in-depth discussions that followed with
various clients and visitors really paid off.
The renewables industry is going through
a consolidation phase in India and the SOLARCON, Bangalore
demand and opportunities for extending
power infrastructure have resulted in an
open, professional and specific exchange
of information.”
– Subir Pal, Country Manager, Industry
Segment Initiative (ISI)
Renewable Energy World, New Delhi
20 contact 2 | 12

21. Events
Aquatech, New Delhi
Managing a precious resource
Conservation is the most environmentally
sound way of reducing demand for water
that is a fast depleting resource all over
the globe. ABB shared its contributions
to sustainable resource management at
Aquatech, the largest international water
show in India.
“We rolled out our complete package
of solutions for instrumentation, control
and electrical (ICE) on a LCD screen,
from motors, switchgear and automation,
through desalination, water supply, sewage
treatment and effluent treatment plants to
lift irrigation, canal automation and non-
revenue water. We got great mileage
from Aquatech, closing two orders for
instrumentation on the spot.”
– Ravindra Akki, Country Water ISI,
Manager, India
Forthcoming events in the region
Southern Gulf and India
Pakistan
Visit us at Seatrade Middle East Maritime,
November 27-29, 2012, Dubai World Trade
Center – UAE, Stand M1.
Let ABB present convincing evidence on And find out more on increased uptime on Visit us at ELASIA 2013, the international
how we can increase asset performance turbochargers and reduced operation cost. exhibition on power, electrical and lighting
by 6%. from January 4-6, 2013, at BIEC, Bangalore,
Ask for proof on how we can achieve where you can see the very latest low
the extra output and we will show you how voltage product offerings from ABB.
we can lower cost and add more value
Central Africa and Egypt
to your business by focusing on the real
issues you are grappling with today:
– Extend asset life and reduce operational
expenditure
Mepcon12
– Reduce emissions and energy Get to know the latest technology trends
consumption at Middle East Power Systems Conference
– Make optimal use of assets and take MEPCON ’12 from December 23-25. The
quick decisions 15th international conference at Alexandria
– Stabilize power input and improve power in Egypt will explore power systems in
quality depth, from smart grids and power
– Safer operations electronics to FACTS and HVDC
transmission systems.
Visit us at Adipec 2012, November 11-14,
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center
(ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE.
contact 2 | 12 21

22. For a better world
Solar integration and export
Dedicated solutions for integrating solar power in the utility grid and trans-
continental transmission via HVDC enable our customers to optimize operations
and boost profitability
W
e support our customers right (Distributed Power Control and Dispatch The solar plants to be built in North Africa
from selecting the optimal Systems), as well as an innovative, fast need to be interconnected, but most of all,
generation solutions through and highly charged/discharged efficient the power needs to be transmitted over to
to enabling the reliable flywheel storage for grid stabilization. Europe through HVDC as it is across the
and profitable employment of their solar sea.
power. This translates to developing and HVDC the highway for solar export
embedding dedicated solutions for grid Favorable trends around solar generation Smart energy management
integration and commercialization of solar in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) The gradual shift from a centralized
electricity. There are a range of solutions region have brought the vision of exporting power flow, to a multi-actor energy market,
available such as: micro-grid approaches solar electricity, considerably closer to reality. calls for a strategic employment of the
for distributed generation, dedicated energy It is ABB’s groundbreaking discovery of generated power. Our dedicated tools
enable customers to both optimally operate
their plants and profitably participate in the
energy market. By employing Intelligent
Solar Information Systems (ISIS®), the solar
plant owner can easily perform a real-time
remote monitoring and operation of his
installation via Internet Explorer.
Dedicated demand/response
management tools facilitate the
coordination between the solar plant,
other generator types and the loads
existing in the grid and thus enable
the strategic operation of the plant. Tools
such as Ventyx Virtual Power Plant, enable
both the utility to incentivize the selling
of clean solar energy and the
environmentally conscious users to
choose it.
For more information: www.abb.com/solar
Dedicated solutions for grid integration and commercialization of solar power
management tools and high voltage direct high voltage direct current transmission
current (HVDC) transmission lines for that has built the highway that makes this
enabling the export of the Middle East’s export possible, technically reliable and
solar power. economically feasible. Through HVDC
transmission, large amounts of power can
Micro-grids integrate solar power be sent over long distances, with both,
Depending on the penetration level – low capital expenditures and significantly
share of the total instantaneous power in the decreased resistive and capacitive losses.
grid – the reliable integration of electricity ABB’s HVDC Light, specifically designed for
originating from intermittent sources such underground or underwater transmission,
as solar irradiation requires precise pre- is the ideal candidate for exporting ME
processing steps, voltage and frequency solar energy undersea. Together with the
regulation and control. ABB PowerCorp other 11 industry founders of the Desertec
manages to fully integrate solar power into Solar Initiative, we are focusing on the
the existing grid, by employing SMART feasibility, financing and construction of
GRID control and automation techniques the interconnection plan.
22 contact 2 | 12

23. For a better world
Highly efficient and cost-effective CSP power plants
Leading through innovation
Applying a range of efficient and reliable solutions suitable
for harsh desert climates, from concentrated solar power to solar steam
W
e are committed to providing thin, flat and light panels are used which are purposes, the so-called Enhanced Oil
the most efficient, reliable not only inexpensive to manufacture, but Recovery. According to a recent report
and competitive solar also easy to transport, install and maintain. by SBI, conventional oil recovery methods
solutions for high direct The secondary reflector contributes to are only able to extract about 10-30
normal irradiation (DNI) regions between the superheating of steam up to 500 percent of the potential oil from any given
1,800-2,500 kWh/m2/year and hot climates degrees centigrade, which translates into reservoir, leaving nearly 70-90 percent of
such as the Middle East. To support this, a significant efficiency gain, especially the reservoir’s oil in the ground source.
ABB has established strategic partnerships in regions with high environmental Injecting solar steam into the oil fields,
with the provider of the best performing temperatures. heats the reservoir, reducing the viscosity
concentrated solar power (CSP) solution: of the untapped heavy crude oil and
Novatec Solar. Solar steam and its range of applications facilitating its pumping. EOR technologies
Besides CSP plants for power can increase the quantity of extractable
ABB Novatec’s CSP solution generation, there are other ways of using oil from aging wells up to 60 percent.
In March 2011, ABB acquired 35 percent process steam generated directly in (Source: US Department of Energy – http://
of Novatec Solar’s shares and integrated Novatec’s Linear Fresnel Collectors. ABB www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/oilgas/
their innovative Fresnel Linear Collector Novatec’s solar boiler can successfully be eor/index.html)
technology into the company's power employed for retrofitting low-efficiency gas- Further applications which are of great
generation portfolio, making ABB a turnkey fired plants, a predominant component of interest and focus in the Middle East
supplier of highly efficient and cost-effective the current Middle Eastern energy mix. are solar cooling and solar desalination
CSP power plants. Linear Fresnel reflectors The CSP augmentation employed in the where ABB's long experience enables the
use long, thin segments of flat mirrors to integrated solar combined cycles (ISCC) design of all components in a way to reach
focus sunlight onto a fixed absorber located power plants is based on heat recovery and economical optimum regarding output and
at a common focal point of the reflectors. steam superheating in Fresnel boilers. The efficiency.
These mirrors are capable of concentrating integrated solar combined cycle concept For more information: www.abb.com/solar
the sun’s energy to approximately 30 times is a hybrid power plant. It is a conventional
its normal intensity. Novatec Solar is the gas turbine combined cycle and a solar
pioneer developer of the first commercial thermal steam generator that provides
CSP Plant called Puerto Errado in Murcia, reliable and clean power. Due to the high
Spain, operating since 2009 at a power solar thermal steam parameters achieved
plant efficiency of 38 percent. in Novatec’s Fresnel-based solar boilers
Employing the Fresnel reflector principle, ABB's ISCC cycle provides high solar
ABB Novatec’s CSP plants achieve shares at very low cost.
performances appreciably higher than the Another clever way of using solar
traditional parabolic trough plants. Super generated steam is for oil recovery
contact 2 | 12 23

24. Glimpses of ABB
Spurring Africa’s growth
Custom-made solar solutions expand local engineering
capabilities, benefitting both, the people and the environment of
the African continent
A
frica has an abundance of natural A lucrative marketplace, Africa has
resources and many African been identified by ABB as a key growth
countries are counted among market. With our industry expertise and
the fastest growing economies comprehensive environmentally-conscious
in the world. So, on the one hand the portfolio, we are currently operational in
continent continues to grow exponentially, more than 15 countries on the African
while on the other, the World Bank has continent: namely Algeria, Angola,
estimated that more than 500 million Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic
Africans are living without electricity. It is Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Egypt,
estimated that by 2015 Africa will produce Ghana, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic
20 percent of global oil and by 2040 the of Congo, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa,
African population may exceed that of India Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
or China. With growing economies and To accommodate the growth on
booming populations, providing reliable the African continent, South Africa and
electricity is becoming a huge challenge. Egypt have been identified as centers of
Transmission and distribution grids in excellence in an initiative called the Focus
many parts of Africa are operating close Africa Re-wire strategy. The two countries
to capacity, and although new grids are will continue to drive sales in Africa by
being built rapidly, many Africans still have recruiting and training additional sales
no access to electricity. engineers who will be active in the market
24 contact 2 | 12

25. Glimpses of ABB
Johannesburg – the commercial hub of South
Africa
with existing customers while developing levels of energy efficiency through the agenda for Africa, particularly south of
and extending our customer base. deployment of alternative and renewable the Sahara by strategically deploying the
As a center of excellence, South Africa sources. most suitable of our many innovations.
provides support to Angola, Congo, Through energy efficiency, companies ABB recently launched a new concept
Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. These – and countries – can improve their for turnkey concentrating solar power
countries form part of the sub-Saharan sustainability significantly, allowing them (CSP) plants based on a low-cost, highly
region. Predictions in the World Bank’s to focus their effort on other important efficient and highly scalable technology
latest ’Global Economic Prospects’ report elements such as staff and skills that uses considerably less material, land
indicate that the sub-Saharan African region development. and water than any other CSP technology.
is expected to record a 5.3 percent growth Globally, the energy efficiency of thermal The ABB-Novatec Solar concept can be
in 2013 as global firms and domestic power plants alone has improved by three used to generate energy in a wide range
demands remain robust. Despite a slower percentage points since 1990. However, of applications including stand-alone or
projected growth, developing countries strong disparities still exist between hybrid power plants, as fuel-savers in
are expected to account for more than developed countries and the developing existing power plants, in desalination and
half of the global growth from 2012 to world, where efficiency is low, mainly due district cooling plants, and in industrial
2014. Huge investments in infrastructure to aging plants and the large share of coal processes that require steam. This is a
are an integral part of the springboard for in thermal generation. Africa in particular fine example of a solution ideally suited to
economic growth for both South Africa needs to be smart and forward thinking with the African continent’s requirements.
and for the whole southern African region. its technology and automation investments. Expanding local engineering capabilities
The reliable supply of electricity, therefore, With its recognized expertise in power and working with customers to develop
remains a pressing issue on the continent. grid efficiency improvements, ABB has custom-made solutions that will benefit
While globally coal remains the main worked with many power companies and the people and the environment while
source for the production of electricity (40 authorities around the world to reduce the making the business more sustainable
percent), with natural gas accounting for rate of transmission and distribution losses. is ABB’s key objective for Africa. It has
more than 20 percent, almost half of the However, most of these improvements were the technology, the expertise and the
electricity-producing countries of the world effected in developed countries, mainly experience to leverage its footprint with
have an emission factor of below 500 g through the use of low-loss conductors production in all five divisions.
CO2 / kWh in 2009. However, Africa, with and transformers, the standardization and One of sub-Sahara’s most recent wins
its large share of coal in the power mix, upgrading of transmission and distribution is the five-year Full Service ® contract with
continues to be a very high CO 2 emission voltages, and reactive power control. It is Namibia Custom Smelters (NCS). ABB
producer, presenting both challenges and now our aim to play an even bigger part will manage all maintenance to improve
opportunities for the introduction of greater in driving the fast-track developmental productivity and equipment reliability at the
contact 2 | 12 25

26. Glimpses of ABB
Enhancing local engineering capability
copper smelting and converting plant in development program involves the security stations and earth electrodes. This is the
Tsumeb, some 425 kilometers north of the and quality supply of its electrical energy first time that this technology will be used for
capital, Windhoek. We will also provide to the various treatment, pumping and overhead transmission lines. The Caprivi Link
process optimization, energy consulting distribution stations. In order to achieve the Interconnector will increase grid reliability
and equipment life cycle services, mainly safe and reliable supply of electrical energy, and enable the establishment of power
through the retained maintenance staff and they have embarked on a medium voltage trading in the southern African region.
management who will be further trained switchgear replacement project which spans The African continent certainly has
to meet our performance standards. across the various areas of its operation. established itself as the world’s current
The plant houses two primary smelting ABB in South Africa was awarded phase focus for business growth opportunities
furnaces and three converters. It has an one of the switchgear replacement project and ABB is poised to leverage those
annual production capacity of 200,000 tons in February 2012 at a value of R21.5 million. opportunities, while contributing in a significant
of copper concentrate from the treatment Our superior technology and compliance way to the sustainable development of a
of complex copper concentrates containing to the IEC 62271 standard, coupled with great continent.
gold, silver and arsenic. The smelter is one extensive experience and credibility in the For more information: www.abb.co.za
of only a few in the world which is able to water industry, were some of the key factors
treat arsenic-bearing copper concentrates. in winning us this order. The estimated
Another exciting project is the Rand date of completion for phase one is June
Water project in South Africa. This project 2013, and once complete, it will assist in
includes the supply, delivery, installation and enabling Rand Water to continue to supply
cold commissioning of 78 switchgear panels high quality potable water to the Gauteng
to four Rand Water sites namely, Amazimtoti, region.
Vereeniging, Lethabo and Palmiet. Rand A pioneer project in the region involves
Water is an organ of state, reporting to the a 2 x 300 megawatt (MW) interconnection
Department of Water and Environmental between a converter station in the Caprivi
Affairs. Their distribution network strip in Namibia, close to the border of
includes over 3,056 kilometers of large Zambia, and another converter station,
diameter pipeline, feeding 58 strategically about 300 kilometers north of Windhoek.
located service reservoirs. Its customers Known as the Caprivi Link Interconnector,
include metropolitan municipalities, local the project spans over a distance of 950
municipalities, mines and industries and kilometers, with AC voltages of 320 kilovolt
it supplies, on average, 3,653 million (kV) and 400 kV on the two ends of a
liters of water to these customers daily. In bipolar 350 kV DC overhead line. This is
order to ensure continuity of supply, Rand the first HVDC Light® project to be built
Water invests huge resources to expand, with overhead lines. ABB was responsible
upgrade and maintain its infrastructure. for system engineering including design,
An important aspect of this infrastructure supply and installation of the two converter
26 contact 2 | 12

27. Executive editor: Karen Wilds
Production board:
Ali Kelani, Claire Hill, Devaashish S. Savant,
Erika Velazquez, Ivor Vidjen, Natasha Mathebula,
Peter Stierli, Rakesh Shastri, Rubi Rakha,
Sanaj Natarajan, Tamara Chetty, Tuija
Elomaa-Maenpaa, Wendy J Joseph
Contact is published in English for circulation
among ABB customers and stakeholders with
an interest in ABB offerings, products and
technologies.
Partial reprints or reproductions are permitted
subject to full acknowledgement. Complete
reprints require the publisher’s written consent.
Publisher and copyright ©2012
ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein reflects the
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information contained herein without seeking
Energy Efficiency –
professional advice. We make publications
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lowering costs and
with their use.
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ABB has been in the energy business for
120 years. Using energy more efficiently
will not only contribute the lion’s share of
emission reductions needed, it is arguably
the most sustainable and cheapest way to
reduce emissions and address global energy
security. Energy-efficient systems can pay
for themselves in energy saving, sometimes
within months, and further reduce operation
and maintenance costs in the long term. Plug
in to the next issue of Contact to understand
how we help our customers squeeze the most
value from each unit of energy they use.
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