ABB wins power grid contract

Power and automation technology group ABB has won a $30m contract from South African utility Eskom for equipment which will help to strengthen power grid reliability.

ABB will supply 275 and 400kV circuit breakers, as well as medium-voltage and 400kV surge arrestors to Eskom as part of its programme to strengthen the power network by upgrading existing and building new substations.

Under the contract, which will last for four years, ABB will deliver approximately 300 circuit breakers and 530 surge arresters. It is the largest order for live tank breakers ever received by ABB. The breakers are equipped with polymer insulators which make the breakers safer and more reliable.

Eskom’s programme is designed to strengthen grid reliability throughout the country in line with growth projections. Short to medium-term focus will be on Eastern and Western Cape, Gauteng Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.