ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $24 million from the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to strengthen the grid in the central region of Saudi Arabia. The installation of a static var compensator (SVC) will provide reactive power support to mitigate voltage instabilities and help prevent black-outs. SVC is part of ABB's family of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) technologies, which improve the capacity, security and flexibility of power transmission systems, and makes a valuable contribution to the development of smarter grids. The turnkey solution, expected to be completed by 2013, includes design, supply, installation and commissioning. “This environmentally friendly solution will improve grid stability, improve power quality and help secure power supply,” said Martin Gross, head of ABB's Grid Systems business.
