ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth over $13 million from the Volta River Authority in Ghana, to supply equipment to improve the country’s power transmission network.

Working with Ghana’s electrical transmission provider, Ghana Grid Company, ABB will supply, deliver, install and commission a new SCADA/EMS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System) and communications system, which includes advanced functions for network analysis and optimisation, automatic generation control, energy interchange scheduling and transaction monitoring.

The project is a key component of the 330 kilovolt Coastal Transmission Backbone initiative, a program financed by the World Bank to improve the reliability of power supplies by encouraging efficient power trading between the coastal countries of West Africa.

The communications equipment includes remote terminal units for around 50 substations, fiber optic terminal equipment and the power line carrier communication system to connect the control centre and the substations. Ancillary equipment such as uninterrupted power supply units, video surveillance systems and other telecom components will also be supplied.

Comprehensive training will be given to employees. The project is expected to be completed in 19 months.

“This solution will enable efficient management and control of the power network, helping to minimise transmission losses and support stable operation of the national grid,” stated Jens Birgersson, head of ABB’s Network Management business.