ABB generates $25 million

, the power and automation technology group, has signed a frame agreement worth a total of $25 million to supply medium-voltage switchgear and protection units for two 1,200-megawatt power plants owned by the South African utility,

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ABB will design, manufacture, test, install and commission medium-voltage switchgear and protection technology for Eskom’s Kriel and Grootvlei power stations, in Mpumalanga province in the northeast of the country.

The Kriel agreement also includes generator and transformer protection systems, so the plant can continue to operate in the event of faults and abnormal service conditions. It is one of the largest contracts for medium-voltage products ever won by ABB.

ABB will initially install about 500 switchgear panels at the Kriel station, and about 300 panels at the Grootvlei station. Grootvlei was commissioned in 1969, Kriel in 1979. The overall refurbishing of the plants will extend the operational life of each by 20 years.