November 17, 2011 – ABB is acquiring Powercorp, an Australian renewable power automation company, saying it will strengthen the company’s portfolio of control technologies used to manage the integration of renewable energy sources.

“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 (in photo). “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.”

Darwin-based Powercorp employs around 30 people and offers automation and intelligent control solutions to manage renewable energy generation in isolated grids. ABB says this enables “very high levels of wind and solar power penetration into isolated diesel-powered grids, thus reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuel”.

“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.