ABB wins $26M Australian power order

ABB won a deal to increase the capacity and reliability of transmission lines to iron-ore mining facilities in Western Australia.

The order worth $26 million was awarded by Rio Tinto to ABB.

As part of the turnkey solution, ABB will design, supply, install and commission a Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems or FACTS system, including a Static Var Compensator, to optimise the transmission network in the region. The solution also includes extension of an existing 220 kV substation and supply of capacitor banks.

“This solution will boost power capacity and improve grid stability. It will also help reduce environmental impact since it is designed to enhance the supply of electricity through existing transmission lines,” said Martin Gross, head of ABB’s Grid Systems business, within the Power Systems division.

Rio Tinto has committed significant investment to upgrade the port, rail, power, and mine assets in the Pilbara region. This upgrade protects the power supply to Rio Tinto’s iron ore mines in the area and is in addition to several substations ranging from 33 kV to 220 kV that ABB has supplied to Rio Tinto as part of their longstanding relationship.