ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth USD 71 million from Steel Authority of India Limited to supply a substation package for its Bhilai Steel Plant located in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

The new high voltage substations will enable the additional power supply needed to support a planned increase in the steel plant’s annual production capacity from 5 million to 7 million tonnes.

ABB will design, supply, install and commission the substations as part of a turnkey solution. Key products to be supplied include switchgear, transformers, cables, fire protection and detection systems and a range of other power equipment.

ABB will also install the substation automation systems, incorporating the latest IEC 61850 compliant protection and control equipment. IEC 61850 is an international standard that ensures interoperability and open communications between substation devices and other grid installations. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

Mr Peter Leupp head of ABB's Power Systems division said that "In addition to enhancing power supplies to support increased production, the substations will improve availability and reliability of electricity to the plant. ABB's energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies will also facilitate the phase out of aging, energy intensive equipment, bringing operational benefits."