Siemens has commissioned the second block of the high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) back-to-back link in Bheramara, Bangladesh.
Image: The Bherama HVDC back-to-back Link. Photo: courtesy of Siemens AG.
The second block with a transmission capacity of up to 500MW connects the electricity supply networks of India and Bangladesh.
The Block 1, which offers a transmission capacity of up to 500MW, was put into operation in 2013.
Siemens said in a statement: “With block 1 & 2 operating in parallel the Bheramara HVDC back-to-back link has a capacity of up to 1000 MW – the highest reliable power capacity in Bangladesh.”
The firm noted that the each of the back-to-back links ensure a reliable electricity supply for Bangladesh’s population and growing economy.
The 230kV grid in Bheramara at the Western border of Bangladesh will be connected via a substation and overhead lines to India’s 400kV grid.
Energy Management Transmission Solutions CEO Mirko Düsel said: “The availability of reliable power transmission is crucial for emerging countries like Bangladesh. Therefore, we’re especially pleased to hand over Block 2 of the Bheramara HVDC back-to-back link to PGCB.
“After only 24 months project execution time and 3 Million safe working hours at site the link will help Bangladesh to reliably import the annually needed additional electricity of 500 MW from India.
“The HVDC link enables a constant, affordable and reliable power supply for the people and economy in Bangladesh and helps consolidating the grid stability of the densely populated state.”
As part of the contract awarded earlier, Siemens was responsible for engineering, installation and commissioning of the complete HVDC system consisting of two back-to-back converter stations in Bheramara.
The contract scope included delivery of all electrical components including the control, protection and monitoring systems for the HVDC system, the thyristor valves, eight converter transformers and the AC filters.
The Siemens’ HVDC Classic technology is designed to contribute toward stabilization of the connected systems in the event of grid disturbances.
Additionally, the power link helps in avoiding bottlenecks on the 230kV side of Bangladesh.