The document discusses ABB's initiatives in solar energy, including advancements in solar power applications in Egypt and Africa, highlighting its potential for sustainable energy generation. It emphasizes the importance of energy storage solutions and innovative technologies for solar desalination and clean water access. Additionally, it showcases ABB's collaboration in events like the International Solar Challenge to promote alternative energy vehicles and innovations in energy efficiency.

1. 2 | 12
contact
The customer magazine
of ABB in India,
Middle East & Africa
Generating power from the sun
Motor racing goes green 06
The International Solar Challenge promotes alternative energy innovation
Enhancing grid reliability 17
High voltage GIS to support grid capacity expansion
Spurring Africa’s growth 24
Custom-made solar solutions for a continent on the move

2. 06 Motor racing goes green
The International Solar Challenge promotes
alternative energy innovation
10 Shining a light on EURO 2012
Centralized intelligent lighting for large spaces
contact 2|12 Dear friends, clean energy as huge job creation and
In a time of change and amidst great diversification potential.
challenges, ABB believes Egypt and
Central Africa are poised for future Every hour the earth absorbs more
growth, given the natural resources solar energy than the world’s population
of the region and the vast potential for consumes in a year!
development. From minerals and metals
to fossil fuels, the continent remains a At ABB we offer optimum solar energy
rich repository. However, not all of its solutions which are reliable, safe and
resources lie underground. efficient, with minimal operational costs.
In this issue we present a deeper insight
By far the most powerful resources into the world’s biggest energy resource
of the region remain the sun and vast – solar power – which is fast becoming
desert expanses. In fact, according to one of the largest strategic investment
Naji Jreijiri the Desertec Foundation, if less than areas in our region.
CEO one percent of the world’s deserts were
ABB in Egypt and Central Africa covered with concentrating solar power We hope that you find this edition of
plants, we could produce as much Contact an interesting read.
electricity as the world uses today. More
and more governments in formerly oil- Best regards,
branded countries are putting mega-
spending plans into solar power on
their agenda, recognizing the wider Naji Jreijiri
and strategic benefits of investments in
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
2 contact 2 | 12

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 Enabling substation communication energy for higher output
Seamless controls for complex supply 17 Enhancing grid reliability
networks High voltage GIS to support grid capacity
07 Spotlight falls on solar desalination expansion
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
contact 2 | 12 3

4. Local news
Enabling substation communication KNX solution is a
Seamless controls for complex supply winner
networks 10 percent saving
at Family Park
project in Egypt
At the KNX Top Event 2012 held at
the Light and Building Fair in Frankfurt,
Germany, ABB in Egypt, previously
nominated in 2006 and 2010, was
nominated for the Family Park project in
New Cairo City, together with Egyptian
Company for Intelligent Building – a
certified system integrator. We emerged
one of the top five winners.
The KNX Award honors some of the
world's most outstanding projects for home
and building services technology. Our
project was singled out from the 15,000
projects submitted and the 40 nominated.
On receiving the award, Tamer Hamdy,
Manager for KNX smart building systems
Digital control systems now form an installed ABB products with the Areva and wiring accessories, ABB in Egypt, said,
integral part of modern substations and SCADA work station via IEC 60850-101 set “KNX is an energy-efficient solution for
for these systems to operate seamlessly of standards that allows for interoperability modern buildings. It is no more a luxury,
standard communication protocols are vital between products from different vendors. now it is a necessity in the construction
as they connect the constituent parts of Just one month prior to this, the same sector to fulfil energy saving regulations.
the substation. Substation communication solution was implemented at the Alexandria ABB is very proud to contribute to a better
protocols carry numerical data which is Regional Control Center, in which our future with innovative solutions.”
exchanged between the control center RTU 560 products connected the 66 kV The Family Park project features fully
and the various substations connected transformer substations with Siemens automated lighting, dimming, visualization
to it. This achieves real time network SCADA, using the IEC 60870-101 special monitoring, and control systems. KNX
representation and facilitates remote profile protocol. This greatly improved our solutions cover a landscape of 160,000
control of switching devices. This is how chances to participate in the Alex RCC square meters featuring all lighting control
substation automation provides the utilities upgrading tender. circuits, dimming circuits in some areas,
the necessary tools to meet their objectives. Among the far-reaching effects of this different operation scenarios such as
Fully digital automation systems use RTUs, achievement, our Power Systems standing central monitoring, current detection per
bay computers, gateways and numerical in the region will be strengthened, and circuit and touch screens for local control in
relays, all communicating over standard this will reflect in an increase in market some areas. In all, 4,500 meters of control
protocols such as IEC 60850-101. share, giving us a real chance to participate cables were installed to link all control
However, the true triumph of technology in forthcoming telecommunication and
lies in its region-specific application and network projects like the Upper Egypt
success. Nowhere was this more apparent RCC LOT 1 and 2 projects.
than in the challenge that our Power For more information:
Systems division faced in Egypt, when www.abb.com/controlsystems
installing substations that had to interface
with Areva’s supervisory control and data
(SCADA) system.
It took the engineering team, led by
Khaled Abdallah and Medhat Yassin and
ably supported by Benn Doer and his
technical team from Germany, 20 months
of hard work to create a solution that
successfully linked the 500/200 kilovolts
(kv) transformer substations via our RTU
560 products in the National Egyptian
Control Center. The team successfully
4 contact 2 | 12

5. Local news
Lighting up Cairo Festival City
Stable, reliable power systems
panels, monitoring status of operation for
all motors, irrigation pumps and valves in
the park. According to our calculations,
the end customer can achieve an average
saving of 10 percent in power consumption
through the technology.
Based on the proven KNX technology,
accepted as the world’s first open
standard, ABB’s i-bus ® KNX supports
building system engineering with intelligent
and networked room and building controls
for lighting, shade, heating, ventilation and
air conditioning and allows flexibility with
planning and implementation.
Over the last 13 years our company has
executed around 240 similar projects in
Egypt and more in Tunisia, Algeria, Kenya
and Syria. In Egypt, some of our projects
include integrated solutions for the Nile
City Towers and Lafarge headquarters;
lighting controls and room management
systems in the hotel sector in Cairo and
Alexandria; in addition to solutions for the Cairo Festival City is a lifestyle concept “Our comprehensive offering, domain
commercial and banking sectors. where office, home and leisure are united knowledge and track record have helped
ABB in Egypt established the first in a ‘new mixed-use urban development.’ us establish ABB as a leading player in the
certified KNX training center in Africa in Situated in the metropolitan Greater Cairo Egyptian market,” adds Magdy Mahmoud,
2009, offering the best KNX solutions for area, it will attract an estimated footfall of manager of Substations business in Egypt.
energy saving in buildings, and providing 750,000 per week and provide employment “We are proud to contribute to this mega
improved energy efficiency solutions for for over 5,000 people. project.”
buildings and green cities, thus supporting The turnkey 100 megavolt ampere On completion, Cairo Festival City will
the main network in saving energy and substation that will power the development accommodate around 13,000 residents,
covering multiple areas. was completed by ABB in Egypt for Carillion from the large luxury Oriana villas to
For more information: www.abb.com/knx Construction Limited. The air-insulated spectacular apartments, offering a range
switchgear (AIS) substation ensures reliable of lifestyles for families, single persons and
power supply to Al-Futtaim Group Real working professionals.”
Estate’s mega project spanning three million For more information: www.abb.com/substations
square meters, and connects it to the
national distribution grid.
Key products supplied included power
transformers, air-insulated switchgear,
neutral point earthing equipment, and
auxiliary systems and cables. We also
supplied IEC 61850 substation automation,
control, protection and metering systems,
including equipment to enable remote
monitoring and control. In addition, our
building management system (BMS)
solution simplifies monitoring and control of
all substation buildings, including heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC)
systems.
The substations are equipped with
capacitor banks, to reduce electricity
losses and enhance stability by improving
the network's power factor, which is an
indicator of the usable power available in
the grid.
contact 2 | 12 5

6. Local news
University of Johannesburg's solar-powered race car
Motor racing goes green
The International Solar Challenge provides a common platform for academics,
racing enthusiasts and industry professionals to develop and promote alternative
energy cars
A
t the internationally acclaimed participate in this challenge, each team of the various systems onboard the vehicle.
Solar Challenge that took place in UJ students participates in the project over “Going green is great for the environment
South Africa in September 2012, a three-year period from undergraduate as alternative energy is a better solution.
ABB sponsored two alternative to postgraduate level. This encourages However, if we don’t manage the way we
energy race cars. The cars, designed, knowledge transfer and peer monitoring. store and use alternative energy we are
manufactured and raced by students Two dedicated teams of 24 undergraduates being just as wasteful,” said Keagan Smith,
from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and four Master‘s students who provide one of UJ’s Alternative Energy Vehicle
competed in the 5,400 kilometer rally mentoring, worked on the cars. project engineers, “ABB’s technology allows
around the country. Although the vehicles looked aesthetically for the efficient use of our energy sources.”
The unique concept – of cars fueled similar, they were each charged by different The innovative solutions that are
by renewables –was the basis for UJ’s power plants. The hydrogen vehicle used developed through the education and
Alternative Energy Vehicle project, which a hydrogen fuel cell to charge the batteries awareness obtained during the race indicate
began in 2010. Our Control Technologies and drive the electric motor. A hydrogen that individuals, utilities and goverments are
business took a keen interest in the fuel cell takes hydrogen and oxygen trying to find alternative ways to provide
progress of the project, and has since and produces electricity in a chemical energy. Even though the race is called the
sponsored equipment to upgrade the race reaction. The by-product released during Solar Challenge, the aim is to showcase
cars in a distinctively competitive manner. the chemical reaction is water, which makes different alternative energy solutions to
Each car was equipped with a Freelance the hydrogen fuel cell an ideal candidate combat declining petroleum supply and
Control System as well as a Compact 800 to promote clean energy. cater to the increasing demand for energy.
system. Our state-of-the-art technology On the other hand, the turbine vehicle For more information: www.abb.com/solar
allowed the cars to maximize the energy used an electric generator mechanically
used, while optimizing their efficiency, coupled to a gas turbine in order to charge
range and speed. the batteries and drive the electric motor. A
The two-week countrywide endurance single turbine and a turbo-prop converted
challenge took place in September and the thrust generated into rotational motion
university students from around the globe at revolutions per minute (RPM). The
traversed some of the most arduous rotational motion produced by the turbine
terrain South Africa has to offer. This was used to drive the electric generator.
was a groundbreaking effort that brought The turbine operated on kerosene-type
together students, academics and industry jet fuel, but can also operate on methane
professionals to develop and promote and other bio-fuels. Both vehicles had a
alternative energy innovation. fiberglass shell, devised by industrial design
As the first South African team to students, which served as protection for
6 contact 2 | 12

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 option for use of solar energy and
Middle East face a major ABB has a strong focus towards solar
water challenge due to the desalination plant opportunities which
scarcity and rapid depletion are of particular importance to this
of freshwater resources. This is further region.”
complicated by the heavy financial and At the conference, a white paper
economic burden in providing desalinated on ‘Solar Desalination: Important
and treated wastewater. ABB’s innovative Technology Aspects,’ was presented by
energy-efficient technology for the water Shrikant Bhat, Control and Optimization
industry evoked a lively discussion at the Group, Research Department, and
event, among researchers, executives, Senthilmurugan S, from Water Industry
decision and policy makers, and other Sector Initiative.
stakeholders. In addition, we hosted a networking
Discussions at the 10th Gulf Water booth to discuss and present solutions,
Conference in Doha, Qatar, covered systems and products for the water
water security and food sustainability, industry with specific focus on
management of natural resources, desalination, solar, pumping stations,
groundwater and surface water, water distribution and irrigation networks.
management of the municipal water For more information: www.abb.com/solar
sector and desalination technologies –
the topic we focused on.
Solar desalination is a technique
used to desalinate water using solar
energy. High drinkable water scarcity
zones usually correspond to high Direct
Normal Irradiance (DNI) areas such as
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.
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. Leading innovation in solar desalination technology
Juha Alopaeus, Country Manager,
ABB in Qatar, attended various sessions
at the conference during the three days.
He said: “The event offered a useful
platform to discuss ABB’s technology
geared towards the water industry. Solar
desalination offers the most promising
contact 2 | 12 7

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.
8 contact 2 | 12

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
contact 2 | 12 9

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
10 contact 2 | 12

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
contact 2 | 12 11

12. Feature
DeNittis PV plant, Foggia – Puglia, Italy
Photovaltaic panels
12 contact 2 | 12

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
contact 2 | 12 13

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
14 contact 2 | 12

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
Power you can rely on in harsh environmental conditions
Enhancing grid reliability
High voltage gas-insulated switchgear to support expansion of grid capacity in
Saudi Arabia and meet the rapidly growing demand for electricity
I
n the second quarter of 2012, ABB won of the total electricity consumption in the
an order worth over $40 million for high Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
voltage gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) Economic growth, led by the oil and gas
from the Al Toukhi Group, a leading sector is driving the development of power
engineering, procurement and construction infrastructure to secure electricity supplies.
(EPC) company.
The 420 kilovolt (kV) GIS equipment Closer to customers
supplied will form an integral part of In line with our business philosophy
the New Muhayil West and Al Omran to locate production and service facilities
substations being built for Saudi Electricity closer to our customers, we recently
Company (SEC), the country’s national announced a $40 million investment for the
power transmission and distribution construction of a new manufacturing plant
operator. The substations are scheduled for high voltage GIS and transformer
to be energized in June 2014. service workshop in Saudi Arabia.
ABB pioneered high voltage GIS in
Helping to meet Saudi Arabia’s growing the mid-1960s and as a market leader,
energy needs continues to drive technology and
Al Omran, located in the eastern part innovation, offering a full range in its product
of Saudi Arabia, is part of the Qurayyah portfolio with voltage levels from 72.5 kV
Independent Power Project (IPP). New to 1,200 kV. The compact, low-weight
Muhayil, connected to the Shuqaiq and and robust design features enable the
Namera North transmission network, is deployment of equipment in constrained
being constructed to meet the rapidly spaces and harsh conditions to enhance
growing demand for electricity in the grid reliability and efficiency with minimum
southwestern part of the country. maintenance needs.
“The new substations where this GIS For more information:
equipment will be installed will enhance http://www.abb.com/gridreliability
power capacity and help meet growing
electricity demand to support industrial
development in the country,” said Bernhard
Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products
division.
Saudi Arabia accounts for around half
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
Editor-in-chief: Sanaj Natarajan
Production team:
Ali Kelani, Anita Ramkumar, Arnab Sarkar
Claire Hill, Devaashish S. Savant, Erika Velazquez,
Giridhar Sharma, Ivor Vidjen, Michael Wachter,
Natasha Mathebula, Peter Stierli, Rakesh Shastri,
Rubi Rakha, Sanaj Natarajan, Tamara Chetty
Tuija Elomaa-Maenpaa, Wendy 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 Preview 3|12
views of the authors and is for informational
Energy Efficiency –
purposes only. Readers should not act upon the
information contained herein without seeking
professional advice. We make publications
available with the understanding that the authors
are not rendering technical or other professional doing more while
lowering costs and
advice or opinions on specific facts or matters
and assume no liability whatsoever in connection
emissions
with their use.
The companies of the ABB Group do not make
any warranty or guarantee, or promise, expressed
or implied, concerning the content or accuracy of
the views expressed herein.
ABB has been in the energy business for
120 years. Using energy more efficiently
will not only contribute the lion’s share of
emissions 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.
contact 2 | 12 27

28. Connect renewable power to the grid?
Electricity generated by water, sun and wind is most abundant in remote areas
like mountains, deserts or far out at sea. ABB’s leading power and automation
technologies help renewable power reach about 70 million people by integrating
it into electrical grids, sometimes over vast distances. Our effort to harness
Naturally.
renewable energy is making power networks smarter, and helping to protect the
environment and fight climate change. www.abb.com/betterworld