Leading power and automation technology group ABB has won a $24 million contract from Saudi-based Ma’aden Aluminium Company (MAC) to execute a fast-track transmission substation project in the northeast of the Kingdom.

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden), in a joint venture with Alcoa, is building an integrated aluminium mining, refining, smelting and rolling mill facility at Ras Al Khair.

As per the deal, ABB will design, engineer and supply a new 380 kilovolt (kV) outdoor gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation at Ras Al Khair power plant that will export 800 MW of power to the national transmission grid and feed a new aluminium smelter.

The project is scheduled for completion within ten months, said the Zurich-headquartered company.

“This substation will enhance power capacity and improve quality and reliability of supply for critical processes and sustained productivity at the new aluminium plant,” remarked Oleg Aleinikov, the head of ABB’s substations business, a part of the company’s Power Systems division.

“Our advanced technologies, project management capability and extensive experience are key factors when executing such fast-track projects,” he stated.

ABB’s scope of supply includes high-voltage outdoor gas-insulated switchgear, communication and auxiliary systems and IEC 61850 compliant substation automation, control and protection.

These containerized systems will be factory assembled and pre-commissioned to speed up on site installation, he added.

The multibillion dollar Ma’aden complex will produce 4 million tons per annum (mtpa) bauxite, 1.8 mtpa alumina, 740 kilo tons per annum (ktpa) of aluminium metal and 380 ktpa rolled products.

The smelter and rolling mill will commence production in 2013, while the mine and refinery will commence in 2014.-TradeArabia News Service