ABB’s HVDC Light technology is at the heart of the new Estlink project that will connect the grids of Estonia with those of the Nordic countries, through Finland
Estlink, the first interconnection between the Baltic states and the Nordic countries, is an important step towards greater energy efficiency in Europe. Linking these two key grids will improve grid reliability and help to avoid future black-outs, as well as contribute to industrial competitiveness and improve supply to consumers.
Work is advancing on the project and is being undertaken by ABB who won the contract to design, build and install the complete power link.
ABB’s HVDC Light (high voltage direct current) technology will ensure security of supply, minimal power loss and low environmental damage. The 100km line will be oil-free and has no magnetic field. The contract was awarded in 2004 and is due for completion later this year, within the specified 20-month time-frame.
The power link is jointly owned by Finnish and Baltic power companies and supported by the European Commission. ABB is constructing the cable link beneath the Gulf of Finland with converter stations at each end. Two-thirds of the link is under water.
An estimated 2TWh of electricity will be transmitted through the cable, which is rated at 350MW with a low ambient overload capacity of 365MW.
The two HVDC converter stations will be capable of generating or consuming up to 125MVArs of reactive power independently of each other and independently of the active power transfer.
The Estlink project is the first connection involving one of the new member states of the newly expanded EU.
ABB won the contract in competitive tender. According to Marko Allikson, a member of the Eesti Energy (Estonian Energy) management board, the competition was tough and the selection process was thorough and time-consuming. He says, 'Both qualified suppliers were technically very strong. The decisive factor in evaluation was a better price.' Prior experience in analogous projects was an important requirement of the tenderers.
ABB has installed more than half of the HVDC systems in the world, transmitting 44,000MW of power in more than 50 projects.
Estlink is one of a number of existing and planned projects connecting mainland Europe and the Baltic countries with Scandinavia and the Nordic region.
On land, a 93mm diameter extruded polymer insulated cable with a 2,000mm2 aluminium conductor is being installed. The submarine cable is made from 96mm diameter extruded polymer-insulated material with steel armouring with 1,000 mm2 copper conductor.
According to Samir Brikho, head of ABB Power Systems business, 'The selection of ABB underscores the significant role that our technology can play in creating vital links between power grids in an expanded Europe. HVDC will help integrate electrical systems in the Baltic region and stabilise grids on both sides of the interconnection.'