US utility Oncor has placed an order worth around $45 million for FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission system) equipment to improve the reliability of the transmission system in Texas as well as facilitate the integration of renewable energy in the state. The contract winner is ABB, which will also install the new equipment. The project forms part of the state’s Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) programme, which aims to increase the installed capacity of renewable energy generation by up to 18 GW.
ABB will design, supply, install and commission one static var compensator (SVC) and two series compensators (SCs). The technologies will help to enhance the capacity, reliability and flexibility of the power transmission system in Texas.
Oncor serves more than seven million customers in the state and operates the sixth-largest distribution and transmission system in the US, with a 190 000 km of transmission and distribution lines.