Algeria
• ABB has won a $31 million contract from Sonelgaz to install two power distribution substations in Algeria. The project involves the design, manufacturing, testing, erection and commissioning of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), transformers and associated equipment. ABB will supply
220 kV and 72 kV GIS, power transformers, and control and protection panels. A major part of the contract includes laying a 2.5 km 220 kV cable connection in the harbour area.
Bolivia
• The Bolivian government plans to launch a $30 million international tender to build the Caranavi-Trinidad 115 kV transmission line in Beni and several smaller branch lines.
They will receive bids until June 2004, sign contracts in July 2004, with construction starting by the end of August 2004.
China
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has won an order from Harbin Turbine Company for 12 sets of key components for 600 MWe supercritical pressure steam turbines. Under the contract, Mitsubishi will deliver the components between May and September 2004.
India
• Reliance Industries plans to set up a 2000-3000 MWe power plant in western Uttar Pradesh, involving an investment of about $1.7 billion. The chairman and managing director of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation, Arun Mishra, said: “Reliance is examining different locations, and we expect the proposal to assume concrete shape soon.”
Italy
• A consortium of VA Tech Hydro and Technip Italy has won a r305 million turnkey contract from Energia Molise to build a green field 765 MWe combined cycle power plant at Termoli in Italy. VA Tech will lead the consortium and take responsibility for the basic layout and overall project co-ordination of the power plant and the supply, and installation of two GE 9FA gas turbines, one steam turbine, two heat recovery boilers and the control system and LV/MV substations. Balance of plant, HV substation and civil works will be by Technip Italy.
Saudi Arabia
• Mitsui has won a $450 million turnkey contract to construct and supply a thermal power plant, based on four GE turbines. The order was placed jointly by International Power of the UK and Saudi Oger Ltd, which together serve as an IPP and which have a long term power supply contract with Saudi Aramco.
Mitsui will act as the prime contractor, and will pass plant construction orders on to Hyundai Heavy Industry of South Korea. The plant will have a total capacity of 1.1 GWe, and a steam supply of 2000 tons/hour. This is the first time in eight years that a Japanese company has won an order to build a major power plant in Saudi Arabia.
USA
• Government approval is being sought for a $1.8 billion
1500 MWe coal-fired power plant to be built on property owned by the Navajo at Farmington, New Mexico, with start up scheduled for 2008. Steag, the operator, plans to file with regulators in early 2004.
• Xcel Energy is seeking government approval to upgrade three coal-fired power plants in Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota to increase capacity and reduce emissions. The King plant is to receive: sophisticated emission controls, new steam turbines, and other major equipment. Work is scheduled to start in late 2004 and due for completion in 2007 at an estimated cost of $382 million. The High Bridge plant will be demolished and replaced with a 515 MWe gas-fired plant at a cost of $395 million. The project is due to be completed in 2008. The Riverside plant will have a new natural gas system, which will increase output to 439 MW. The cost of this project will be $212 million, and it is due for completion in 2009.
Vietnam
• A consortium of VA Tech T&D and Nissho Iwai Corp has won a r40 million contract from Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) for the construction of new 500/225 kV substations at Phu My and Nhabe, and the 500 kV extension of Phulam substation. On completion of the project, nearly 3000 MWe produced by Phu My, the biggest power plant complex in Vietnam, will be transmitted to the 500 kV national grid.