ABB has won an order worth more than $30million from Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett for two substations to strengthen grid reliability and power supplies, and from Vietnam's Central Power Corp for the supply of SCADA/DMS systems.
ABB has won an order worth more than $30million from Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett for two substations that will strengthen grid reliability and boost power supplies. The increased transmission capacity will facilitate the integration of new renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro-power and support the expansion of industrial production, as well as playing a key role in connecting the Norwegian grid to those of the UK and Germany. The plan is part of the Vestre korridor (Western Corridor) project, to upgrade the transmission network in the region and eventually benefit the Northern European power system.
The Norwegian energy mix is unique, with around 99% of its mainland electricity production coming from hydropower. The country also has significant potential in wind power, both land based and offshore. Other renewable sources being explored include wave power and bio-energy from wood.
The scope of the order includes design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning for the two new 420 kV substations at Lyse and Fjotland. ABB will supply all the major electrical equipment, including the 420 kV gas-insulated switchgear, as well as live tank circuit breakers, instrument transformers and surge arresters.
Elsewhere ABB has signed contracts with the Vietnamese power company Central Power Corporation for the supply of SCADA/DMS (Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition/Distribution Management System) software to Pleiku and Tam Ky in Central Vietnam to help improve power supplies for the 250 000 inhabitants.
The systems will enable real-time monitoring and control of the grid condition and will gather data to enable quick detection of possible outages, allowing immediate decisions to be taken to improve overall grid reliability. Optimising the power network and improving power reliability is one of the four key components of the 10-year roadmap for smart grid development laid out by the Vietnamese government in 2012. ABB has previously supplied similar systems to the cities of Da Nang, Hue, Qui Nhon and Buon Ma Thuot.
The Vietnamese economy is set to be the second most dynamic Asian economy during 2016, following India, with an expected 7% growth rate, according to a Bloomberg report. Energy consumption has been increasing by 10-12% in recent years.