Power and automation technology ABB has secured orders worth around $20m to refurbish its two hydroelectric power plants in southern Switzerland.

The contracts were awarded by two power utilities managed by Swiss power utility Axpo.

The company will refurbish the generators at the Mattmark and Mauvoisin hydroelectric power plants which generate 680MW of electricity, and are located in the canton of Wallis, bordering France and Italy.

ABB Power Systems division Power Generation business head Franz-Josef Mengede said the upgrade and refurbishment of the hydro power plants will help increase availability of power supplies and enhance efficiency and reliability.

"This project is another example of our increased focus on service as a strategic growth driver and leveraging of renewables and energy efficiency as key contributors in minimizing environmental impact," Mengede said.

ABB is also executing a $120m order to provide turnkey electrical, automation and control solutions for the Linth-Limmern pumped-storage hydropower station located in the canton of Glarus.