Swiss electrical equipment company ABB has secured orders from the Ministry of Electricity in Iraq to deliver five fixed and 15 mobile 132kV kilovolt substations.

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Image: ABB to supply air-insulated and gas-insulated switch gears in Iraq. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.

These substations are expected to strengthen the power grid and provide electricity across central Iraq. The Iraqi government is investing in its grid as part of its plan to develop its power infrastructure and to meet its electricity needs.

The Swedish government has provided financing for the substation projects.

As part of the orders, ABB will also supply gas- and air-insulated switchgear, power transformers and capacitor banks to improve power quality.

Besides, it will deliver advanced IEC 61850-based automation, protection and telecommunication systems for controlling and monitoring the substation assets. The 15 mobile substations are expected to enable fast electrification in some of the most needy areas.

ABB’s Grid Integration business head Patrick Fragman said: “The substations will help to improve the electricity supply by expanding capacity and strengthening Iraq’s power infrastructure.

“These projects add to our extensive installed base in the region and support our focus on growing markets, reinforcing ABB’s position as a partner of choice in enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.

In early May, ABB had secured an order to supply its Compact Gas Insulated switchgear (GIS) to PLN, Indonesia’s state-owned power utility.

With the GIS, PLN will be able to stabilize its electricity supply. The GIS systems can be safely operated in confined spaces and harsh environments, controlling the network and protecting it from power outages.

As part of the order, ABB will design, supply and commission 150kV GIS for 10 substations in the greater Jakara area, Western Java, East Java and Sulawesi.

The government of Indonesia aims to connect all the households to the nation’s electricity grid by 2025 and is executing a program to add up to 35GW in new power generation capacity.