The link will enable the transmission of clean and renewable energy generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to the North American grid in Nova Scotia.
NSP Maritime Link (NSMPL), which owns the interconnector, had awarded a contract to ABB for supply of HVDC Light solution to set up the first electricity link between the island of Newfoundland and North America.
ABB's HVDC Light solution is expected to enable Nova Scotia to integrate additional renewable and contribute to Canada’s emission-reduction efforts.
Besides the two converter stations for the ±200kV HVDC link, the scope of the project also includes two 230kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations.
The Maritime Link is expected to help the province in achieving its target of generating 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, while meeting the country’s requirement of reducing coal emissions by up to 50% by 2030.
Electricity to be fed into the interconnector will be produced from the hydroelectric facility at Muskrat Falls, which is being constructed under Phase I of the Lower Churchill Project. NSMPL will receive electricity from Muskrat Falls for 35 years.
ABB’s Grid Integration business head Patrick Fragman said: “Our innovative HVDC Light technology will enable the historical Maritime project to integrate and deliver clean renewable energy while enhancing grid stability and enabling power sharing.
“HVDC transmission, a technology we pioneered and lead, is an important element of our Next Level strategy, providing customer value and enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”
Image: ABB completes testing of Maritime Link interconnector in Canada. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.
