ABB wins $180m order for Norway-Denmark power transmission link

ABB has won an order worth about $180m (£112m) from utilities Statnett of Norway and Energinet.dk of Denmark to supply an HVDC Light (high-voltage direct current) converter solution to support the interconnection of the Norwegian and Danish power grids.The 500 kV (kilovolt) link is a new record in transmission voltage using this technology.

The underwater link will boost transmission capacity between the mainly hydroelectric-based Norwegian system and the wind and thermal power-based Danish system. It will enable both networks to add more renewable energy to their energy mix, and to use electricity more efficiently.

ABB will design, supply and commission two 700 MW (megawatt) converter stations based on the company's HVDC Light technology. The converter stations will be located at both ends of the 240-km long interconnection, and will be situated at the same site as the existing converter stations for Skagerrak 1-3 previously supplied by ABB, in Kristiansand, Norway and Tjele, Denmark. The bipolar link will be operated with the Skagerrak 3 transmission system. An advanced control system is key to optimizing converter performance, and ABB will install its world-leading MACH2 control system. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2014.

"This HVDC Light solution will boost power capacity, enable better load balancing in both grids and help draw more renewable generation into the energy mix," said Peter Leupp, head of ABB's power systems division. "It will also reduce the impact of power system disturbances and contribute to the stability and reliability of the grids. The higher voltage level will also help minimize transmission losses."