ABB to install microgrid solutions for Marsabit wind farm in North Kenya

Socabelec East Africa, a power solutions company, has selected Switzerland-based automation technology group ABB to design, supply and install a microgrid stabilisation solution for the Marsabit wind farm in North Kenya.

The PowerStore flywheel-based stabilisation solution will include automation and intelligent control that will manage renewable energy integration in isolated grids.

The solution is expected to ensure utility-grade power quality and grid stability based on renewable sources for Marsabit, located in a desert area of North Kenya, with a population of 5,000.

The solution will primarily protect power systems against fluctuations in frequency and voltage, besides stabilising power to its nominal rating, enabling the customers to operate their hybrid plants in an optimal way.

The new solution is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions through the minimised use of fossil fuel supplies due to the penetration of wind and solar power at improved rates in diesel- powered grids.

ABB president for power systems division Claudio Facchin said: "Sustainable development of Africa and fostering microgrid solutions are both key focus areas in ABB’s next level strategy and dedicated 1,000 day programmes have been constituted for them.

"Our microgrid technology solutions can significantly boost renewable integration and can play a key role in helping isolated and remote communities to gain access to clean electricity as in this case."

ABB has installed 30 global microgrid solutions to date, for a wide range of applications including islanded electrical grids, remote communities and research and industrial campuses.