ABB wins $27 million solar orders in Italy

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won orders worth $27 million from Gestamp Solar, the solar photovoltaic subsidiary of international company 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 17 megawatts (MW). The main plant (7.7 MW) will be erected in Duccotto and supported by plants at Francofonte (2.3 MW), Monreale (3.3 MW) and Sapeu (3.8 MW).

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, equivalent to the annual emissions of about 5,800 fuel efficient cars.

The fast track project is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. 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 fast and simple, in addition to yielding cost reductions and 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.

"Solar power is making an increasing contribution to the power generation mix and helping to lower environmental impact,” said Franz-Josef Mengede, head of ABB’s global Power Generation business, a part of the Power Systems division. ”ABB has a wide portfolio of technologies for the solar power industry and a growing installed base."