ABB Wins $30M Order To Strengthen Norwegian Grid

Substations to enhance grid reliability, boost power supply and enhance integration of renewables

Zürich, Switzerland - ABB has won an order worth more than $30M from Norway’s transmission system operator Statnett for two substations that will 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. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2016.

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 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 percent of the electricity produced on the mainland 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.

“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, with our leading-edge technologies and project execution expertise” said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s Power Grids division. “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.”

The scope of the order includes design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning for the two new 420-kilovolt (kV) substations at Lyse and Fjotland. ABB will supply all the major electrical equipment, including the 420 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), as well as live tank circuit breakers, instrument transformers and surge arresters. In line with ABB’s strategic approach, the project will be executed as part of a consortium in partnership with NCC, a leading civil contractor in the region.

ABB is among the world’s leading suppliers of air-insulated, gas-insulated and hybrid substations with voltage levels up to 1,200 kV. These substations facilitate the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity with minimum environmental impact, serving utility, industry, building and infrastructure customers including growing sectors like railways, urban transportation and renewables.