ABB acquisition puts focus on renewables in isolated grids

Power and automation giant ABB aims to expand its capabilities in renewable power integration through its acquisition of Australia-based Powercorp.

Financial details of the transaction, which is expected to close before the end of the year, were not disclosed.

Based in Darwin and employing around 30 people, Powercorp provides automation and intelligent-control solutions for managing renewable energy generation in isolated grids. Its offerings make it possible for remote, diesel-powered grids to integrate high levels of wind and solar power, which helps to reduce both emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

“Powercorp brings expertise for the integration of renewable energy generation into conventional micro and remote island grids,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “This bolt-on acquisition will add specialist know-how and solutions to our control systems offering and further strengthen our position in the renewable space.”

Powercorp has installed several systems to integrate renewable power into remote grids and keep generation in balance with consumption. The company also supplies systems that dynamically store and release energy in response to frequency and voltage deviations, to stabilize small or remote grids.