ABB secures $225m worth solar projects in South Africa’s Limpopo province

Power and automation technology group ABB has agreed to supply turnkey solutions for two solar PV plants in Northern Limpopo, South Africa.

The $225m worth contracts include designing, engineering, installation and commissioning.

ABB would also provide several products and technologies such as inverters, protection equipment, switchgear, dry-type transformers and controllers among others.

Core Energy and Erika Energy, which are special purpose entities with Sun Edison as one of the stakeholders, will operate the plants.

With completion scheduled for 2013, the utility-scale PV power plants are projected to produce 33 MW and 31 MW respectively.

Both plants support the South African government’s long-term renewable energy program.

Power from the plants would be transmitted to the high-voltage transmission grid through a new high-voltage substation, wherein ABB will set up the substation as well as its connection to the power grid.

ABB’s Power Systems division head Brice Koch commented, "Our vast experience in supplying high-efficiency PV power plants, combined with our local capabilities and presence will enable us to deliver best-in-class solutions and support the country’s vision to integrate renewable energies."

Sun Edison VP and South East Asia and Sub Saharan Operations MD Pashupathy Gopalan added, "ABB brings extensive experience and expertise to the table and we are pleased to be working with them to bring renewable energy to South Africa."

The plants will together geenrate 130GWh of electricity each year, enough to supply 36,000 South African homes with electricity and reduce 130,000 tons of CO2 emissions.