ABB to balance combined-cycle plant in Algeria

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $14 million to provide a complete electrical balance of plant (eBoP) solution for a 150-megawatt (MW) integrated, combined-cycle solar power plant under construction in Algeria.

The order was placed by the Spanish company UTE Aberer Hassi RÂ’Mel Construction and the plant will be set up at the Hassi RÂ’Mel natural gas field in northern Algeria. It will have two 40 MW gas turbines, one 80-MW steam turbine and two parabolic trough solar fields with a generating capacity of 25 MW. The power plant will be fired by a combination of natural gas from the gas field and solar energy collected by the parabolic troughs. This is a pioneering hybrid project in terms of integrating solar and combined cycle power generation in a single facility.

ABBÂ’s project scope includes design, engineering, supply, erection and commissioning of the complete electrical balance of plant. The main equipment to be supplied includes medium- and low-voltage switchgear, auxiliary transformers, generator circuit breakers, isolated bus-ducts and emergency diesel generators. The project is expected to be completed by August 2010.

“We are pleased to be associated with this pioneering initiative,” said Franz-Josef Mengede, head of ABB’s global Power Generation business in the Power Systems division. “Our technology and expertise in conventional and renewable power generation, coupled with our ability to execute fast-track projects of this nature, help to make our customers more competitive.”

ABB has a range of power and automation solutions for renewable energy. The company is presently executing several photovoltaic and thermo-solar power projects in Europe, the United States, Australia and the Middle East.