Swiss heavy electrical equipment-maker ABB has secured an order to supply and install grid stabilisation technology for improved integration of renewable energy into the German grid.

As per the contract, ABB will supply its Ability-based control system to improve power reliability. The order was placed by Tennet, the German-Dutch transmission system operator. The equipment will help the German grid absorb more and more renewable energy.

As part of the contract, ABB will be supplying its hybrid Static Compensator (STATCOM) which will be installed at the Borken substation in Central Germany’s Hessen. STATCOM, as claimed by ABB will support the grid with flexible reactive power compensation and dynamic voltage support. This can reduce the risk of voltage collapse and power outages.

The order will contribute to Germany’s ‘Energiewende’ energy transition roadmap that targets to have at least 80% of its energy coming in from renewable sources by 2050. It is being claimed that Germany is speeding up rapidly towards its energy transition goals.

Presently, renewables already account for 40% of the country’s electricity supply. 

According to ABB, its STATCOM can stabilise voltage fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of wind and solar and can smoothly transmit this electricity. Its MACH control system, which is also part of the company’s Ability digital offering, acts as the brain of STATCOM, providing essential functionalities such as monitoring, control and protection to ensure reliable and efficient power supply.

STATCOM is part of company’s family of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) technologies that can improve the capacity and flexibility of power links. ABB claims to have delivered at least 800 FACTS installations around the world.

ABB’s Power Grids division president Claudio Facchin said: “We are delighted to work with TenneT once again and support Germany’s mission to supply clean wind power to millions of people. Our innovative STATCOM technology will boost power transmission capacity of and improve power quality.

"The project exemplifies ABB’s strategic focus on renewables and leveraging technology to reinforce our position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”


Image: ABB to supply grid stabilisation equipment in Germany. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.