Hitachi Energy’s subsea HVDC transmission system upgrade
The system is to be upgraded with MACH™ control and protection system to enhance power security.
The Harku HVDC converter station, the Estonian side of EstLink 1 (Image credit: Hitachi Energy)
Switzerland, Zürich: Hitachi Energy has won an order to provide Fingrid and Elering, transmission system operators in Finland and Estonia, with a control and protection system upgrade of the EstLink 1 high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system interconnecting the two countries.
EstLink 1 (and EstLink 2) enable power exchange between two countries, normally not possible because their grids are asynchronous. The EstLink 1 HVDC system enables efficient electricity transmission via 105 km of underground and subsea cables providing power quality benefits to the grids. After over 16 years of operation, the control and protection system of EstLink 1 will be upgraded with the latest MACH technology.
“Our transmission systems have been helping to secure power in the Baltic region for decades,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “We are proud to support our customers by providing our cutting-edge HVDC control system and Hitachi Energy Service solutions, making the link more secure.”
“Elering’s main duty is to guarantee high-quality energy to Estonian consumers at all times and we are not alone in this, but cooperate with other system operators and the European electricity market. EstLink 1 is a key part of fulfilling that responsibility. When ensuring the security of supply, Estonia cannot be viewed in isolation, it can be ensured in the region as a whole,” Kalle Kilk, the Chairman of the Elering Management Board noted.
“Cross-border connections, like EstLink 1, safeguard our power system’s security, even in the coldest winters, and help to support a healthy electricity market. EstLink 1 will have many upgraded control features that help us to keep the power system up and running in the future,” said Kimmo Nepola, head of Fingrid’s HVDC & FACTS unit.
Source: Hitachi Energy