ABB set to upgrade power station in northern Norway

A consortium between ABB and YIT has entered into an agreement with Statkraft Energi AS for the supply of electrical and automation systems for three units at the Nedre Røssåga hydro power station, for an approximate value of 9.9 MUSD. ABB’s share of the order comprises around 6.4 MUSD.

ABB will also supply three power transformers from the company’s factory in Vasa, Finland, for a total value of approximately 2.8 MUSD. Both contracts include engineering, equipment supplies, installation and commissioning.

“ABB has a long tradition of supplying equipment and systems to Nedre Røssåga, and we are proud to have won this new order in close co-operation with YIT. By replacing ageing equipment with a modern control system and new solutions, the power station can be run more efficiently with a higher level of reliability with regards to the electricity we all depend on,” says Arne Sveen, Senior Vice President at ABB.

YIT’s scope of supply includes cabling and installation of the electrical and automation systems supplied by ABB.

“This is an important contract for YIT’s departments at Helgeland, and YIT would like to work even more closely with ABB in this area in the future,” says Tom E. Kristiansen, Regional Director within YIT.

Across the country numerous hydro power stations are in need of upgrading. ABB is anticipating a positive development on this market.

“A modernized facility provides increased flexibility and enables the customer to supply more electrical energy to the grid, at the same time reducing operating costs and increasing availability,” says Sveen.

Modernization of the first unit will be finalized in 2012 and the final unit in 2017. The agreement also includes an option of deliveries for the three remaining units, a decision Statkraft Energi AS will probably take in the course of 2011.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.

YIT is Norway’s leading supplier of technical building systems, servicing for technical building systems and property management services. The company has a turnover of approximately NOK 4 billion and has 3,300 employees in Norway. The company is owned by YIT Corporation, a Finnish company that is listed on the stock exchange, which has around 23,500 employees and a combined turnover of approximately NOK 30 billion.