ABB to acquire Powercorp in Australia to expand offering for renewable integration

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has agreed to acquire Powercorp, an Australian renewable power automation company. This acquisition strengthens ABB's portfolio of control technologies used to manage the integration of renewable energy sources. Darwin based Powercorp employs around 30 people and offers automation and intelligent control solutions to manage renewable energy generation in isolated grids, ensuring utility grade power quality and grid stability. This enables very high levels of wind and solar power penetration into isolated diesel powered grids, thus reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuel. "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. "Joining forces with ABB is a logical next step for the growth of our business," said Alan Langworthy CEO of Powercorp. "It will expand our global reach and help create optimal solutions for higher and better use of renewable energy generation." The transaction is expected to close before year end. www.abb.com