ABB South Africa has been awarded a three-year frame agreement for its UniGear air-insulated switchgear (AIS) and ZX0.2 gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), from the City of Cape Town.
“This is the first time that the City of Cape Town has bought ABB ZX 0.2 gas insulated switchgear for its distribution substations,” says Bryan Johnson, product group manager, MV Switchgear, ABB South Africa. “It demonstrates confidence in ABB and our MV solution.”
The frame agreement, which is estimated to include 300 panels over the three-year period, includes three portions: extension of existing UniGear switchgear, new UniGear air-insulated switchgear and new ZX0.2 gas-insulated switchgear manufactured in ABB Germany, with the associated cable supply and installation to be executed by ABB in South Africa.
The agreement includes the installation and commissioning of 12 kV switchgear for distribution networks that cover the City of Cape Town and surrounding areas.
“By continuously investing in infrastructure, we will be encouraging and, indeed, leading growth by always ensuring the physical supporting capacity for people to build opportunities,” says councillor Ernest Sonnenberg. “Such an approach places the City of Cape Town at the forefront of South African metros and will bring us in line with international best practice in terms of development strategies.”
The ABB UniGear ZS1 air-insulated switchgear supplied has a current rating of 25 kA with 630 A, 1250 A and 2500 A and an internal arc rating of one second in accordance with the international standard IEC 62271-200. The ABB UniGear will be provided with a special adaptation which comprises a segregated cable box.
“We are providing the City of Cape Town with fully certified IEC compliant switchgear,” says Johnson. “This will help to increase the safety, reliability and efficiency of the distribution network.”
While some components will be brought in from ABB’s global factories, the majority will be manufactured locally at ABB’s modern facility in Longmeadow, Johannesburg.
“ABB producing switchgear locally means that customers can purchase the highest quality manufactured to global standards,” concludes Johnson.
ABB has manufactured medium voltage switchgear since 1995 shortly after the first democratic elections in South Africa, which shows its long-term commitment to the country and the southern African region. Customers of ABB medium voltage switchgear include those from industries such as petrochemicals, power stations, pulp and paper, the steel industry as well as renewable energy generators.
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