ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth over USD 50 million from Electric Transmission Texas LLC to provide electrical equipment that will improve reliability, strengthen the existing transmission grid and facilitate the integration of wind power. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The project, to be completed by 2013, is part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones program, aimed at increasing the contribution of renewable energy in Texas by up to 18 gigawatts, making it one of the world's largest land based wind initiatives.

ABB will design, supply, install and commission four static var compensators at two sites. SVCs are part of ABB's family of FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) technologies, which help enhance the capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems and also contribute to the development of smarter grids. FACTS technologies allow more power to reach consumers with minimal environmental impact, lower investment costs and shorter implementation times than the traditional alternative of building new power plants and transmission lines. They also help address voltage and frequency stability issues and enable the transmission system to run more efficiently.

Mr Peter Leupp, head of ABB's Power Systems division, said that "ABB has a strong track record of delivering environmentally friendly SVC solutions around the world and we have a large installed base in the US. We are pleased to support the grid integration of clean wind power and help improve power reliability in the region."