ABB wins $100 million framework contract to strengthen South American power grid

ABB Power Grids has partnered with ISA to build a reliable and efficient grid that will improve the quality of life for millions of people in South America

ABB Power Grid Affairs has signed a five-year structured contract with Interconexion Electrica SAESP (ISA), South America's largest utility, with an estimated value of approximately US$100 million. ISA now operates more than 62,000 kilometers of transmission infrastructure, with more than 7,000 kilometers under construction. The Company also provides transportation, information and telecommunications services.

Claudio Facchin, President ·of ABB Power Grids, said: "ABB Power Grids is shaping a future that can continue to power and our approach is fully aligned with ISA's approach to ensuring the continued availability of power and mitigating climate change in South America. "Our pioneering skills are providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable modern power for all, advancing efficiency and competitiveness, while paving the way for a global grid with massive renewable power integration and interconnection."

As the largest transmission system operator in South America, ISA is responsible for providing electricity to millions of people and businesses. Therefore, it is essential that the electrical equipment used by the ISA has the highest level of reliability, as it is not only a business, but also a contribution to society. ABB Power Grids and ISA have had a long-standing and successful partnership over decades.

A highly reliable shunt reactor will be supplied to ensure that the voltage is kept within a safe range and possible power outages are avoided. Managing power transmission is a continuing balancing act, and electrical stability can be a challenge at high voltages and long distances, as the voltage becomes more and more unstable as distances increase.

To maintain the grid and help avoid power outages, the contract also includes the supply of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), air-insulated switchgear (AIS) equipment such as circuit breakers, transformers, and hybrid modules.

Shunt reactors are based on the same know-how as transformers, and ABB Power Grids continues to drive innovation in this field by pioneering transformers and high-voltage equipment more than 130 years ago. It has an unrivalled track record, with approximately 2.5 million power and distribution transformers and 1 million high-voltage switchgear worldwide, the largest operating experience in the world.

Decades of sustainable power integration in South America

For decades, ABB Power Grids has been contributing to the integration of sustainable power generation in South America. Notable projects include Brazil's Itaipu HVDC transmission system, which was first commissioned in 1984, transporting up to 6.3 GW of hydropower and holding the world record for the world's most powerful HVDC system for more than 20 years. The other is to supply the basic power equipment for the connection of the Ituango hydropower plant to the grid, which is expected to be the most important hydropower plant in Colombia when it comes online in 2021, generating 14% of the country's electricity. In addition, ABB Grid Solutions is used to integrate large-scale wind and solar power systems across Chile and the largest solar farms in Brazil.

ABB Power Grids is a global leader and pioneer in power skills. We create value for our customers in the power, industrial, transportation and infrastructure sectors and offer a wide range of advanced digital solutions. Our experts are active in more than 90 countries, and they provide insights to improve reliability, efficiency and safety.

ABB wins $100 million framework contract to strengthen South American power grid

ABB wins $100 million framework contract to strengthen South American power grid

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