Gulf Construction Online - Hitachi ABB to supply GSUs for Al Dhafra plant

UAE Focus

Hitachi ABB to supply GSUs for Al Dhafra plant

01 October 2021

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has announced that it will supply large generator step-up (GSU) transformers, protection and telecommunication systems for the Al Dhafra PV2 Solar project in Abu Dhabi which, on completion, will be the world’s largest single-site solar farm, featuring a total of 3 million solar panels.

A major project for the region, Al Dhafra PV2 plant is being developed by a consortium of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) along with Masdar, EDF Renewables and Jinko Power. The project is located about 35 km from Abu Dhabi city and will supply power to Emirates Water and Electricity Company.

With 2 gigawatts of power capacity, the farm will generate electricity for an estimated 160,000 homes across the UAE, contributing to the shift to sustainable renewable energy. The project is expected to be put into operation by November 2022.

This benchmark project in the UAE is the latest example of how Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ world-leading technologies are helping to build a global, interconnected and sustainable energy system, enabling sustainable societies and putting the company’s Sustainability 2030 strategy into action, said the company.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids said the supply contract was awarded by China Machinery Engineering Corporation, the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor for the project.

“We are proud to be part of the Al Dhafra PV2 Solar project as it is a great opportunity for our vision of augmenting the share of renewables in the world’s energy mix,” said Dr Mostafa AlGuezeri, Managing Director of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in the UAE, Gulf, Near East and Pakistan.

AlGuezeri pointed out that the high-quality and durable transformers, protection and telecommunication systems are designed to withstand the hot desert climate and intermittent solar power supply. It will help to stabilise power transmission to the local power grid, supporting energy-efficiency and the supply of cost-effective solar energy, he added.