An Australian engineering company which is planning a A$1.5 billion sale has won a contract to provide equipment to Ukraine, to allow the European state to rebuild electrical equipment destroyed by the ongoing war with Russia.
NOJA Power Switchgear Pty Ltd said it would supply specialist Australian-made electrical equipment under the A$10 million (US$6.4 million) contract with the Ukrainian Government.
The company said the purchase would be funded by the Australian Government through a contribution to the European Union’s Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
The equipment are NOJA Power OSM Reclosers, which are intelligent and remote-controlled high-voltage circuit breakers that protect and switch the overhead distribution network remotely and automatically.
“They improve power reliability, while allowing utility engineers to operate the distribution grid remotely without travelling through dangerous environments,” the company said in a media release.
CEO Neil O'Sullivan said the equipment was designed to improve network reliability and safety, and NOJA Power was confident it would make a significant difference to Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
“These NOJA Power OSM Reclosers will be used to rebuild electricity networks and restore electricity to millions,” O’Sullivan said.
“They will enable remote control in areas heavily affected by land mines, reducing the risk for utility workers.
“Remote control over restored high voltage feeders will also enhance the safety of workers currently restoring electricity in Ukraine.”
The loading of equipment at NOJA Power’s headquarters in Brisbane on Wednesday was watched by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko, who said Russia had targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure to pressure Ukrainians.
“They have resiliently withstood this brutal tactic and this equipment from NOJA Power will further support their resilience,” Myroshnychenko said.
Earlier this year, Azzet exclusively reported that NOJA Power was considering a sale that could value it at up to A$1.5 billion (US$960 million) and planning to establish a United States manufacturing base.
