The traction units, to be installed in Bombardier’s TRAXX locomotives to be built in South Africa, will reliably transform electricity for trains running on the country’s dual 3kV direct-current (DC) and 25kV alternating-current (AC) overhead voltage network, the company states in a press release.

ABB has supplied traction transformers for several of Bombardier’s electrical locomotives since 1998.

South Africa, with the continent’s most-comprehensive railway system, is investing nearly $5 billion to renew and expand its rail fleet, not only to boost passenger travel but also to increase its ability to efficiently ship freight including iron ore for export around the world.