ABB has won an order worth around $28 million to supply an electrical Balance-of-Plant (eBoP) solution for a new independent water and power producer (IWPP) project in the UAE. The order was placed in the fourth quarter of 2014 by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the project.  

As part of the project scope, ABB will design, supply, install and commission the new plant’s electrical system, including major equipment such as generator circuit breakers, medium and low-voltage switchgear and distribution transformers. Energy-efficient ABB variable frequency drives will help reduce pump energy consumption and extend motor life.

The $1.5 billion Mirfa project will increase power and water capacity in Abu Dhabi and the energy-deficient Northern Emirates. It encompasses existing water and power facilities that will be augmented with a new combined cycle power plant and a seawater reverse osmosis plant.

When fully integrated, the facilities will have total power capacity of 1,600 MW and seawater desalination capacity of 240,000 cu m per day. It is part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy, support growth and help meet rising demand from the UAE’s increasing population.

“We are pleased to support the sustainable development of UAE’s infrastructure and help address the growing demand for power and drinking water in the region,” said Claudio Facchin, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. ”ABB has the technologies, the domain expertise and a proven track record for reliable and energy-efficient electrical and automation solutions.”