June 27, 2008 – ABB won a $233-million contract from Hyundai Engineering and Construction (HDEC) of Korea to supply power systems and grid connections for a natural gas and steam turbine (combined-cycle) power plant, to be built in Qatar. The $3.7-billion Ras Laffan C plant will be the largest power generation and water desalination project in the country, with capacity to generate 2,730 megawatts (MW) of power, and produce more than 286,000 cubic meters of potable water per day. “ABB's knowledge and experience with complex power systems throughout the world gives us the expertise to tackle large-scale projects like this,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems Division.
“We can deliver reliable, integrated solutions on time and on budget, supporting the customer at every stage.”A consortium comprising Suez Energy International/Mitsui, Qatar Electricity Water Corporation and Qatar Petroleum will develop the plant. It is expected to begin operations in 2010 and be fully operational by 2011, and will sell water and electricity to the local utility, Kahramaa. ABB will supply the plant’s turnkey electrical systems, comprising substations, rated at 400, 220 and 132 kilovolts, the 800-MVA (megavolts ampere) transformers, generator busducts and breakers, medium- and low-voltage switchgear, the emergency power supply and the plant’s cable systems.
ABB will also provide engineering services, construction supervision, commissioning and training.Ras Laffan C is ABB’s third large power plant project in Qatar, following Ras Abu Fontas B, Qatalum and a variety of substation projects. Long experience and an unmatched portfolio of products, systems and services enable ABB to meet the customer’s needs in terms of quality, scheduling and energy efficiency. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.