ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, said today it has won an order worth US$ 31 million to install two power distribution substations in Algeria.
The contract, signed with Société Algérienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz (Sonelgaz), is designed to meet the growing demand for energy in the capital, Algiers.

“The speed with which ABB will manufacture, deliver and install the equipment was a key factor in winning this contract,” said Peter Smits, head of ABB’s Power Technologies division. “The contract will be finalized in only 15 months, three months faster than the industry norm, thanks partly to our modularized designs.”

The project involves the design, manufacture, testing, erection and commissioning of gasinsulated switchgear (GIS), transformers and associated equipment. ABB will supply 220kV and 72kV GIS, power transformers, and control and protection panels, including substation automation and telecommunications systems.

A major part of the contract includes laying a 2.5 kilometer-long 220kV cable connection in the harbor area.

It is the latest in a series of orders from Sonelgaz. The most recent was a US$ 15 million contract in July 2003 for a GIS substation in a city close to the border with Tunisia.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 120,000 people.