Renewable energy is steadily becoming one of the largest power sources in many countries in the Middle East and is expected to continue growing and utility companies need new and effective systems that are capable of incorporating ever-larger amounts of renewable energy
Digital substations play a key role and, today, incorporate digital communications via fiber optic cables, replacing traditional copper connections using analog signals. They will also enable greater flexibility, availability and safety, while reducing cost, risk and environmental impact. From 16?18 October 2017, the 13thGCC ? CIGRE International Exhibition and Conference took place in Oman where ABB displayed its digital substation concept.
?Changes in the way the transmission infrastructure is operated means that customers need more intelligent management of supply and demand,? says N Venu, senior group vice-president Power Grids Division, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, ABB.
?This requires sophisticated monitoring, communication and control systems across the entire power value chain. It calls for a smarter power system that makes greater use of digital technologies. The collection and evaluation of condition data from primary equipment like transformers and high-voltage equipment, with software solutions like MicroSCADA to ABB Ability Asset Health Center, will make it possible to operate and maintain components of our power grid more efficiently.? added Venu.
ABB technology is driving a digital revolution in power supply, with a growing portfolio of products to help power providers meet the world?s increasingly complex energy requirements. From digitally enabled transmission and substation hardware to the software to manage, run, and optimise it, ABB solutions are helping to make power distribution smarter, safer, and more efficient.
?ABB is already involved in most of the regional renewable projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park in Dubai, when completed by 2030, will be spread across a 70 sq kmr area, making it the largest single-site solar project in the world with a capacity of 5,000MW.? says Mostafa AlGuezeri, managing director, UAE and Gulf countries, ABB. ?For more than two decades, ABB has played a role in helping boost efficiency and productivity of the infrastructure of Oman, on the Arabian Peninsula's south eastern coast.?
ABB's work in Oman includes providing efficient ACS 800 industrial drives and motors for an electric tourist train at the famed, two-million-year old Al Hoota cave; a US$100mn project to build the country?s newest gas condensate processing plant, and commissioning of the world's largest aluminum smelter pot line in the port city of Sohar.
