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Press Release Zurich, Switzerland 16-03-2021

3 min read

Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India chosen by BALCO to strengthen its mission-critical power infrastructure

Made-in-India power technology will increase reliability at the aluminum company’s Korba plant in Chhattisgarh.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India (listed on the stock exchanges as “ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited”) has been awarded a project worth over INR 124 crore by one of India’s top aluminum producers, Bharat Aluminum Company (BALCO), to ensure improved reliability of the power distribution system at its Korba plant in Chhattisgarh.  

The technology pioneer is delivering fully engineered 400-kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substations that will replace an existing apparatus to better assimilate power from BALCO’s captive generation plants, delivering it with efficiency to the Korba aluminum smelter.  

Hitachi ABB Power Grids is equipping the substations with its advanced MicroSCADA automation solution to monitor and control the aluminum producer’s grid in real time and ensure maximum power availability. It is also deploying its industry-leading 500-megavolt ampere power transformers to further enhance grid efficiency and safety.  

The GIS substation provides space savings of as much as 60 percent compared to conventional switchgear by virtue of its compact, robust and low-maintenance design. The GIS technology can be safely operated in confined spaces for optimal substation layout and superior switchgear performance. 

“Domestic consumption of aluminum is forecast to reach 10 million tons over the next 10 years* and key players such as BALCO are preparing to be able to cater to this demand,” said N Venu, Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India. “In this regard, reliable power supply is critical and we are very proud to have been chosen by the company as a trusted partner,” he added.  

All the equipment for this project is being manufactured domestically in line with the Government of India’s Make-in-India drive and is aimed at ensuring the plant’s complex smelting operations run smoothly, helping BALCO meet its production enhancement plan.  

This project is part of Hitachi ABB Power Grids' strategy to be a partner of choice for the Indian industrial ecosystem and highlights its long-standing commitment to deliver digital integration and grid connections without compromising on power quality. By leveraging its engineering expertise, integration capabilities, and world-class products, through this project, Hitachi ABB Power Grids is reinforcing its position as a trusted partner to enable a stronger and more reliable Indian synchronous power grid.

*Source: Metal Miner: https://agmetalminer.com/2020/09/09/indian-aluminum-sector-knocked-off-course-by-pandemic/

About Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Hitachi ABB Power Grids is a global technology leader with a combined heritage of almost 250 years, employing around 36,000 people in 90 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the business serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the value chain, and emerging areas such as sustainable mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers. With a proven track record, global footprint and unparalleled installed base, Hitachi ABB Power Grids balances social, environmental and economic values. It is committed to powering good for a sustainable energy future, with pioneering and digital technologies, as the partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid. https://hitachienergy.com

Hitachi ABB Power Grids in India operates under the legal entity name ABB Power Products and Systems India Limited and is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited (BSE) as POWERINDIA, Scrip code 543187.