ABB, the leading power and automation technology
group, won an order worth around $35 million from Belgian electricity transmission
system operator Elia for gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and shunt reactors,
helping stabilize and expand the country’s power grid to accommodate more
wind energy.
ABB’s gas-insulated switchgear will help control, protect and isolate
electrical equipment to boost the reliability of Belgium’s power supply.
The shunt reactors increase the energy efficiency of power transmission
by improving power quality and reducing transmission costs. The order was
booked in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Elia is undertaking the Stevin project,
including a new 47-kilometer, double 380-kilovolt (kV) high-voltage line
between cities of Zomergem and Zeebrugge, because its existing 150-kV grid
is no longer sufficient to sustain the country’s and region’s electricity
demand. This will enable offshore wind power to be brought on land and
transmitted to the domestic market. The increased capacity will also support
power flow over a subsea direct-current connection between the United Kingdom
and Belgium.
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Once completed, Stevin will form the grid
backbone between the Belgian coast and its inland regions. It will help
Belgium reach its goal of generating 13 percent of energy needs from renewables
by 2020 by facilitating integration of offshore wind power.
“ABB’s latest GIS is extremely compact
and offers high reliability and safety while minimizing environmental impact,”
said Bernhard Jucker, president of ABB’s Power Products division. “We
are pleased to support the integration of renewable energy and help strengthen
the Belgian grid.”
As part of the order scope, ABB will design,
supply and commission 420-kV gas-insulated switchgear and 130 megavolt-ampere
(MVAr) shunt reactors to be installed in three 380-kV substations.
The Elia Group comprises of Elia Transmission
in Belgium and 50Hertz Transmission, active in the north and east of Germany.
Ranked among Europe’s five largest transmission system operators, it is
a key player in developing the European electricity market and integrating
renewables.
