Johannesburg — International power automation group ABB has won a 107m order from Société Nationale d'Electricité -- the Democratic Republic of Congo's power utility -- to upgrade electricity transmission systems in that country.

The refurbishment of the 1700km Inga-Kolwezi power transmission link, one of the longest in the world, is meant to ensure a reliable and efficient transmission of hydroelectricity from the Inga hydroelectric facility to Kolwezi in southern Congo. Société Nationale d'Electricité operates the Inga project.

The link uses high-voltage direct current technology to transmit power from the Inga Falls hydropower station on the Congo River to the mining district of Katanga in the southeast of the country. It also enables excess power to be exported to other southern African countries that are part of the southern African power pool, an organisation set up in 1995 to provide reliable and economical electricity to its members, including SA.

ABB, which built the transmission line in 1982, said yesterday it would be responsible for system engineering, including design, supply and installation of new thyristor valves, high-voltage apparatus and control and protection systems. The project was scheduled for delivery in 2013, it said.

Peter Leupp, head of ABB's power systems division, said: "We are delighted to contribute to the development of the power infrastructure in the country and remain committed to the harnessing of renewable energy."

Meanwhile, ABB SA said yesterday it had concluded a R55m power products contract with Eskom. ABB will supply "free-standing outdoor" SafeRing ring main units to Eskom. ABB SA CEO Carlos Poñe said the units would enhance the reliability of electricity supply.

ABB will release annual results for both the global and local companies today. One of ABB SA's highlights in the past year was a 54m order from Eskom for automation solutions that improve efficiency at three power stations.