Automation and power technology company, ABB Robotics, received an order to supply three solar energy plants worth $50 million, to Actelios SpA. Booked in 2010-second quarter, the order was won through Actelios Solar SpA, Actelios SpA’s Italian subsidiary. The three plants to be set up in western Sicily will feature fixed photovoltaic (PV) modules with power capacity of more than 13 megawatts (MW).
A 6 MW main power plant will be installed in Spinasanta and the other two in Cardonita and Sugherotorto, with capacities of 3.8 and 3.3 MW, respectively. On connection with the grid, the plants are expected to generate renewable electric power of about 19 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually. It is anticipated that the renewable power generated will reduce about 9,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is equivalent to emissions from 3,900 fuel-efficient vehicles.
ABB will design, engineer, supply, and commission all three power plants and a distribution link of medium-voltage for connection between the plants and the national grid. Switchgear of medium- and low-voltage, transformers, protection devices, and a sophisticated control system will be supplied by ABB. The control system will feature remote controls as well as diagnostic capabilities for maximum efficiency and optimized operations.
The project is slated for completion in late 2010. To facilitate quick installation, ABB’s eBoP (electrical balance of plant) modular concept will be applied. This concept involves pre-assembling and testing the individual components before the delivery, making commissioning and on-site installation quick and simple, while reducing risk as well as project cost.