Bahrain turns to ABB to support power supplies

03 July 2009

The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) of Bahrain has placed a massive order with ABB for substations hoped to support mounting demand for electricity and support economic development. The order, worth $170 million includes the design, supply and installation of 11 new GIS (gas-insulated switchgear) substations and the expansion of a further four existing substations by the end of 2011.

ABB will supply high-voltage switchgear, including GIS, medium-voltage switchgear, cables, as well as substation automation that is compliant with the IEC 61850 international standard for communication and data handling.

Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division, said: ‘ABB's substations will help to enhance the reliability and efficiency of power supplies in the area and the grid as a whole'.

EWA has worked with ABB on three similar substation projects. Substations are key installations in the transmission and distribution grid that transform voltage levels and distribute electricity. GIS substations have a compact footprint, and are suited for locations where space is limited.