ABB awarded $27m for solar power project

ABB has won orders worth $27m from Gestamp Solar, the solar photovoltaic subsidiary of Gestamp Renewables, to supply four solar power plants that will generate clean energy in Sicily.

The plants will have a total power capacity of over 17MW. The main plant (7.7MW) will be erected in Duccotto and supported by plants at Francofonte (2.3 MW), Monreale (3.3MW) and Sapeu (3.8MW).

Once connected to the grid, the plants will supply around 27 gigawatt hours of renewable electric power each year. As an alternative to fossil-fuelled generation, the new plants will avoid the generation of around 14,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. It will deploy ABB’s modular eBoP (electrical balance of plant) concept based on pre-assembly and testing of the plant’s electrical systems prior to delivery. This makes on-site installation and commissioning faster, in addition to reducing project risks.

The turnkey project includes design, engineering, supply and commissioning of the power plants, as well as the medium-voltage distribution link that will connect the plants to the grid.

ABB will supply dry-type distribution transformers, medium- and low-voltage switchgear, protection devices and an advanced control system, with remote control and diagnostic capability, to optimize operations and efficiency.