ABB, the power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $43 million from Eskom, South Africa’s electric utility, to supply medium-voltage switchgear as well as protection and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) equipment for a new thermal power plant being built in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The new Kusile coal-fired plant is being constructed to increase power generation capacity in the country. It comprises six supercritical combustion units with a total generating capacity of 4,800 MW (megawatts).

ABB will design, engineer, supply, install and commission the equipment. Key products include the ZS1 AIS (air-insulated switchgear) indoor switchgear for primary distribution, the latest Relion^® range of control products and the REA range of protection relays. ABB will also supply a Micro-SCADA automation solution to optimize control and ensure reliable operation.

“These state-of-the-art products offer maximum control and protection, enabling an efficient and reliable supply of electricity,” said Bernhard Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products division. ”We support Eskom in its efforts to improve power supplies and meet the growing need for electricity in the country”

REA is an extremely fast and reliable arc protection system developed by ABB. It combines a unique sensor technique with instantaneous and reliable fault detection, reducing the risk of network damage, enhancing safety and enabling the smooth restoration of power in the event of a disruption.

ABB's recently introduced Relion^® portfolio protects, monitors and controls power systems in a wide range of applications and voltage levels, from basic distribution to high-end transmission. It is compliant with the global IEC 61850 standard for substation automation, which facilitates seamless, real-time communication with other IEC 61850 compliant intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), tools and systems, regardless of manufacturer.