The existing systems of these power plants have been in operation for over 10 years. After the upgrade, they will be migrated to the ABB Ability™ Symphony Plus SCADA system based on the ABB AC500 and AC 800M platforms. This solution features scalability and high performance, which will ensure the long-term stable operation of the power plants and enhance cybersecurity protection capabilities.
The solar tracking algorithm integrated into the ABB system calculates the sun’s position every 480 milliseconds with an accuracy of 0.0001 degrees. It can dynamically adjust the posture of a total of 7,400 mirrors across the four power plants in real time. While correcting influencing factors such as offset deviations, terrain inclinations, and weather changes, it maximizes energy conversion efficiency.
This solution provides a robust and flexible path for the modernization of ContourGlobal’s concentrated solar power (CSP) assets. It can be seamlessly integrated with existing third-party control systems and supports phased replacement, minimizing operational disruptions and ensuring the continuous, efficient, and reliable operation of the power plants.
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) can provide dispatchable electricity, supplementing the grid integration of variable renewable energy. It is regarded as a key enabler for the transformation of Europe’s energy system. The European Union (EU) funds CSP-related research projects to develop more efficient cycle systems and components, and provides financial support for the first batch of demonstration power plants.
Unlike photovoltaic (PV) solar panels that generate electricity directly, CSP plants use mirror arrays to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver. The concentrated heat heats the working fluid to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. This technology enables energy storage, allowing stable power supply even during periods without sunlight.
ABB is a globally leading enterprise in electrification and automation technologies. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, it has a history of over 140 years and employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide. Its business scope is extensive, covering multiple fields such as electrification, automation, motion control, robotics and discrete automation, and process automation. It offers a rich range of products, including various controllers, robots, electrical equipment, and related software, which are widely used in numerous industries like energy, chemicals, power, manufacturing, and transportation.
Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB's Energy Industries Division, stated: "To build a safe and sustainable energy system to meet the growing demand, the modernization of automation assets is equally important as new construction projects. Leveraging ABB's expertise in automation, electrification, and digitalization, we help operators such as ContourGlobal extend the lifespan of their facilities, improve operational efficiency, and deliver stable renewable energy to the power grid."
This initiative will help integrate renewable energy into national power grids safely and efficiently, providing support for Europe's energy transition. It is not only a typical practice for the upgrading of existing energy assets but also offers a replicable technical path and cooperation model for the development of renewable energy in Europe and even globally. Upon the completion of the upgrade project in 2027, these four concentrated solar power (CSP) plants will integrate into Europe's energy network with higher efficiency and better safety, becoming a key force in advancing the achievement of "dual carbon" goals. With its profound accumulation in the fields of automation and energy, ABB will also continue to inject technological momentum into the global energy transition, contributing to the building of a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
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