ABB, a major power and automation technology group, has won orders worth around $ 24 million from Maaden Aluminium Company (MAC) to execute a fast-track transmission substation project in the northeast of the country. The orders were booked in the second quarter.
ABB will design, engineer and supply a new 380 kilovolt (kV) outdoor gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation at the Ras Al-Khair power plant that will export 800 megawatt (MW) of power from the plant to the national transmission grid and feed a new aluminum smelter. The project is scheduled for completion within ten months.
"This substation will enhance power capacity and improve quality and reliability of supply for critical processes and sustained productivity at the new aluminum plant," said Oleg Aleinikov, head of ABB's Substations business, a part of the company's Power Systems division. "Our advanced technologies, project management capability and extensive experience are key factors when executing such fast-track projects."
ABB's scope of supply includes high-voltage outdoor gas-insulated switchgear, communication and auxiliary systems and IEC 61850 compliant substation automation, control and protection. These containerized systems will be factory assembled and pre-commissioned to speed up on site installation.
Urbanization and economic development in emerging markets is fueling the demand for aluminum and related compounds. Aluminum is the most widely used non-ferrous metal with some of its many applications being in transportation including aerospace, automotive and railways, packing, construction as well as household items.
The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden), in a joint venture with Alcoa, is building an integrated aluminum mining, refining, smelting and rolling mill facility at Ras Al-Khair. The multibillion dollar complex will produce 4 million tons per annum (mtpa) bauxite, 1.8 mtpa alumina, 740 kilo tons per annum (ktpa) of aluminum metal and 380 ktpa rolled product. The smelter and rolling mill will commence production in 2013, while the mine and refinery will commence in 2014.
Arab News
1 August
