UAE’s power utility Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded a $55m contract to Swiss technology group ABB for construction of a substation which will connect Mohammed Bin Rashid solar park to the UAE grid.
Under the deal, ABB will build the gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation which will increase the transmission capacity and power supplies of the grid, besides strengthening its reliability.
According to the contract, the Swiss company will design, install, commission and start the facility, besides supplying eight bays of 400kV and ten bays of 132kV GIS, two 132kV / 400kV power transformers rated at 570MVA.
ABB will also be responsible for the protection system, automation and control system, surveillance and communication at the plant.
The substation should also meet the IEC 61850 standards in order to support open communications automation and protection.
Situated around 50km to the south of Dubai in Seih Al Dahal, the 100MW Phase II of the facility is likely to start solar power generation in 2017.
DEWA managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “DEWA works to enhance the efficiency of its network and establishes pivotal projects to achieve the highest standards of efficiency and reliability.
“This forms the basis of our cooperation with ABB, which has a record of innovation in renewable energy technologies, sustainable transport and energy efficiency.”
UAE intends to enhance the role of the country as a global hub for trade, finance, tourism and green economy, he added.