ABB secures renovation contract from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa

Power and automation technology company ABB has secured a $50m order from Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa to renovate the Songo high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station in Mozambique.

The convertor station is a vital component of the 1,920MW HVDC link that transmits clean hydropower from the Cahora Bassa hydro plant in Mozambique to the grid in South Africa.

The scope of the renovation project includes replacement of key equipment such as high-voltage transformers and direct current smoothing reactors.

Mozambique makes considerable revenue by exporting renewable energy to South Africa, and the renovation will help the company improve its system reliability and help meet its requirements under the power purchase agreements with South African utility Eskom.

The turnkey key project will also include ABB supplying and installing arresters and measuring equipment.

Commissioning of the project is expected to be completed in two parts; the DC equipment in 2013 and the transformers a year later.

ABB’s power systems division head Brice Koch remarked that the project underlines the company’s continued focus and commitment to growing its service business.

"The Songo HVDC link supports the integration of renewable energy and helps meet the growing demand for electricity. We are delighted to contribute to the development of power infrastructure in the region," added Koch.