July 21, 2026 — ABB has been selected by ENGIE Australia to modernize the Pelican Point Power Station distributed control system infrastructure to the latest ABB Ability System 800xA controller, AC 800M, to enhance operational performance and reliability. The Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) facility, which is located 20km north-west of central Adelaide, provides approximately 50% of South Australia’s annual thermal power generation needs.
Pelican Point is a natural gas-fired CCGT power station featuring two gas turbines and one steam turbine, generating a maximum capacity of 532 MW of electricity. Located on the Lefere Peninsula it is a critical infrastructure asset supplying electricity to South Australia, including the city of Adelaide.
ABB will modernize the facility’s Advant controllers to the latest AC 800M controller for one of the gas turbines and the steam turbine to enhance the automation technology, strengthen cyber security and improve real-time monitoring.
“Pelican Point Power Station plays a key role in supporting South Australia’s energy supply, and this modernization reflects our continued commitment to maintaining strong operational performance and preparing for future demands,” said Don Ivory, Engineer & Maintenance manager, ENGIE Australia. “Our collaboration with ABB is delivering meaningful outcomes by strengthening efficiency, reliability and long-term asset value, as well as positioning the station for sustained performance in a changing energy landscape.”
Backed by a long-standing ABB Care agreement, ABB has remained a trusted partner at Pelican Point, providing ongoing maintenance and technical expertise, while proactively identifying opportunities to upgrade and extend the life of this key asset. Since 2019, ABB has supported the evolution of the facility’s critical systems to ensure continued reliability, operational stability and long-term performance in a demanding environment.
To meet the growing demand for energy in South Australia, where reliability of supply and asset longevity are critical, the collaboration with ENGIE has focused on strengthening the facility’s ability to deliver consistent, efficient power to the grid while preparing for future operational demands.
“Modernization of control systems is essential to maintain stable and reliable power supply that communities and industries depend on,” said Aaron Trueman, vice president of ABB’s Energy Industries division in Australia. “By combining our deep expertise with a strong partnership approach, we are supporting Pelican Point Power Station to enhance performance, improve efficiency and strengthen long-term resilience.”
Electricity consumption in Australia is projected to increase from approximately 180 TWh today to around 210–230 TWh by 2030, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator. In response to rising demand, modernization has become a critical priority for energy producers, particularly operators of existing power plants, to ensure they can continue to deliver reliable and efficient electricity supply.
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this "Engineered to Outrun." The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
About ABB's Automation business
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun — leaner and cleaner.
