ABB wins $35 million HVDC upgrade order in Canada

Switzerland, Zurich: ABB has won an order worth about $35 million from Hydro-Québec to upgrade the 350 MW Madawaska HVDC transmission link, that connects the grids of New Brunswick and Hydro Québec in southeast Canada.

 


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Switzerland, Zurich: ABB has won an order worth about $35 million from Hydro-Québec to upgrade the 350 MW Madawaska HVDC transmission link, that connects the grids of New Brunswick and Hydro Québec in southeast Canada.

The order was booked in the second quarter of 2014. The project scope includes installation of ABB’s MACH control and protection system and the upgrade of the valves and valve cooling system. The back-to-back converter station has been in operation for more than 25 years and the modernisation is expected to significantly improve grid reliability and help reduce maintenance needs. The new station is scheduled to go into full operation in 2016.

“This upgrade will enhance power availability, reduce outages and improve grid reliability in the region.” said Claudio Facchin, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “The project also reiterates our continued focus and commitment to growing our service business.”

This is the 21st major HVDC modernisation project and the 15th upgrade of control and protection systems awarded to ABB since 1990.

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity, mainly using renewable energy sources, in particular hydroelectricity. It is Canada’s leading electric utility and among the biggest in North America.

Source: ABB
Image: ABB