ABB, a Swiss-based power and automation technology group, has won a $30 million order from Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett for two substations expected to strengthen grid reliability and boost power supplies.
The increased transmission capacity will also facilitate the integration of new renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro-power and support the expansion of industrial production, ABB informed.
The Norwegian energy mix consists of around 99% of the electricity produced on the mainland from hydropower, with significatnt onshore and offshore wind potential.
The country is also exploring other renewable sources including wave energy and bio-energy from wood.
The substations will also play a key role in connecting the Norwegian grid to those of the UK and Germany and are a part of the Western Corridor project, to upgrade the transmission network in the region and eventually benefit the Northern European power system, ABB said in a press release.
Claudio Facchin , President of ABB’s Power Grids division, said: “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.
“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 Norwayʼs transmission grid.”
The scope of the order includes design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning for the two new 420kV substations at Lyse and Fjotland.
ABB will supply all the major electrical equipment, including the 420kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), as well as live tank circuit breakers, instrument transformers and surge arresters, ABB informed.
In line with ABB’s strategic approach, the project will be executed as part of a consortium in partnership with NCC, a regional civil contractor.