ABB wins $47 million Australian power orders

ABB will supply power substations to help Rio Tinto increase production capacity at iron ore mines in the Pilbara region.

The substations, worth $47 million, are to be constructed at the Marandoo and Tom Price mine sites.

ABB’s turnkey solution includes design, supply, installation and commissioning of high-voltage 220/33 kilovolt substations, expected to be operational in about 15 months. The equipment package includes power transformers, instrument transformers, disconnectors and a range of high- and medium-voltage switchgear.

“The new substations will ensure Rio Tinto’s expansion plans in the region are supported by a reliable supply of quality power,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. ”We appreciate the trust Rio Tinto has placed in ABB’s technologies and project management capabilities.”

Since 2005, ABB has successfully completed the Millstream, Hope Downs, Juna Downs and Coastal substation projects for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara region, and is currently executing similar projects at Cape Lambert and Dampier.