The multi-energy company Repsol selected ABB to install a new SCADA solution at its five hydropower plants. The energy firm looks to enhance plants’ life cycle, while standardizing and supporting sustainable operations, in line with their sustainability goals and net zero emission targets by 2050. The project will also ensure the systems comply with cybersecurity regulations.
The five hydropower plants - Arbon, Dorias, Remolina, Silvon and Aguayo- are located to the north of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain, in the provinces of León, Asturias and Cantabria.
“ABB has been a leader in providing automation and digital solutions across industries. We have been aware of ABB’s portfolio which is why when it came to leveraging the operations at our hydropower plants, we selected ABB. The ABB SCADA came with integrated cybersecurity solutions which is crucial to optimize plant operations without any intrusion”, remarked Jesús Cajete, Purchasing Manager at REPSOL Generation.
Providing cutting-edge automation solutions for optimizing plant operation
In December 2021, ABB won the project edging out multiple competitors to implement the ABB Ability™ Symphony® Plus SCADA and modernize the existing solutions. The system was developed to maximize plant efficiency and reliability through automation, integration, and optimization of an entire plant. There are more than 7,500 Symphony Plus control system installations in operation all over the world with more than 5,000 of which are supporting energy applications.
“We engaged with the customer at every level and carefully analyzed the requirements. This helped our team to customize the solution and make ABB a become a key contributor in Repsol’s digital journey,” said José Alfonso Almansa, Power Generation Sales Manager ABB Energy Industries Spain.
The system provides a standard control methodology across the enterprise to automate workflows and optimize day-to-day operations, enabling companies to maximize uptime and ensure safety. “Our system uses a high-performance, real-time Relational Database Management System to enhance data integrity and data retrieval. This makes it unique and significantly faster than the traditional SCD databases,” added José Alfonso Almansa
ABB’s SCADA system also integrates its own and third-party systems and devices with a high level of cybersecurity compliance and enables the adoption of new digital solutions. Third-party system integration has been a priority for Repsol to ensure seamless operation at its plants.
Building the future together with focus on sustainability
This win allows ABB to expand its digital footprint in the Spanish energy market and continue driving digital transformation across Europe. ABB has been one of the leading technology companies providing automation solutions across industries helping them to transform their operations and meet their sustainability goals.
“Winning this project has further strengthened our relationship with Repsol. We look forward to engaging with them in their future projects and becoming a partner in their digital journey,” José Alfonso Almansa noted.
