The Algerian national power company, Societé Nationale d’Electricité et du Gas (Sonelgaz) has awarded ABB a contract to install five new electricity load dispatch centres and a related IT system. The deal is worth $30 million. Under the terms of the contract, ABB will install one national control centre, four regional control centres and a back-up centre. The scope will embrace computer systems, data acquisition terminals and associated buildings. The dispatch centres will control the flow of power in the Algerian network so that peak demand can be met without exceeding transmission line limits. They will employ ABB’s energy management system to control 247 power stations and substations that make up the Sonelgaz network. The new systems are designed to improve monitoring and control of power generation within the system. They are scheduled to start operation early in 2004.
