ABB to extend substation in Dubai to facilitate more solar energy integration

Switzerland based automation technology group ABB has received a $20m order from Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) to extend a substation, which will facilitate integration of more solar energy into the grid.

DEWA is currently increasing the output of phase II of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park by 100MW bringing the total capacity to 200 MW.

This is the second contract ABB has secured from DEWA, as previously the company had secured the a contract to integrate the 100 MW solar park to the grid.

As per the contract, ABB will be designing, engineering, supplying, and installation the substation’s extension.

The company will supply power transformers, IEC 61850-based open architecture automation and controls, three bays of 400Kv, and eleven bays of compact 132 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS).

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park will spread across 4.5km² , and it will produce enough power for 30,000 homes.

After completion, the project will help in cutting down 25000 tonnes of carbon emission. ABB Power Systems division president Claudio Facchin said: “ABB’s advanced technologies will help to efficiently integrate renewable solar energy into the grid, enhancing capacity and reliability of supplies.

“We are proud to contribute to Dubai and the UAE’s energy diversification initiative and bring clean energy to meet growing industrial, commercial and residential demand. This project reiterates our focus on growing markets and renewables in line with our Next Level strategy.”

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Image: Substation extension to integrate more solar energy into UAE grid. Photo: © Copyright 2015 ABB.