AREVA’s Transmission and Distribution division (T&D) will contribute to the reinforcement of the South African electricity network through a contract worth €12 million with public utility ESKOM, Africa’s largest electricity producer.

The order is for AREVA T&D’s “PIX” range of Medium Voltage switchgear cubicles that will be installed at the Medupi Power Station in South Africa’s Limpopo province. PIX cubicles incorporate AREVA T&D’s “HVX” type circuit breaker and digital protection & control relays from AREVA T&D’s MiCOM range, which can be configured according to customer requirements. PIX cubicles are recognized around the world for their excellent internal arc classification (IAC), a safety feature which was a winning factor in this contract. The products are scheduled for delivery in batches starting in July 2010 with final deliveries three years later.

In partnership with local industrial partner ACTOM, this order is AREVA T&D’s first for PIX products in South Africa. It is in line with its strategy of increasing involvement in the country’s primary distribution market and further localizing PIX in South Africa via ACTOM. The customer will benefit from AREVA T&D’s state-of-the-art technology which complies with the latest IEC standards. This product’s IAC rating ensures that personal safety during operation is not compromised for the service team.