Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett has awarded a contract worth more than $30m to ABB to strengthen grid reliability and boost power supplies.
The deal requires ABB to design, engineer, deliver, install and commission two new 420-kilovolt (kV) substations at Lyse and Fjotland.
It will improve grid reliability, boost power supply and enhance integration of renewables like wind and hydro-power.
The substations will play a crucial role in connecting the Norwegian grid to those in the UK and Germany under the Vestre Korridor (Western Corridor) project and to upgrade the transmission network in the region and eventually benefit the Northern European Power System.
ABB will also supply all major electrical equipment which includes the 420kV gas-insulated switchgear as well as live tank circuit breakers, instrument transformers and surge arrestors.
Norway has a unique energy mix where 99% of the energy from mainland comes from hydropower and with huge potential for other renewable sources like wind power, wave and bio-energy from wood, there is a urgent need to make the grid ready to take electricity from such renewable resources.
The project will be executed by ABB in consortium with regional civil contractor, NCC.
ABB power grids division president Claudio Facchin said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Statnett, having worked together on many occasions and are pleased to support them on this important upgrade of Norway’s transmission grid, with our leading-edge technologies and project execution expertise.
“As part of ABB’s Next Level strategy, we are committed to the integration of renewables and the development of infrastructure to deliver power, efficiently and reliably.”
Image: ABB to strengthen grid reliability and boost power supplies in Norway. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.