SCANDINAVIA
Hands across the Baltic
A contract to upgrade the control system of the 30-year old Skagerrak 1&2 highvoltage direct current (HVDC) link between Denmark and Norway has been won by ABB. The new ABB MACH 2 system was selected by Energinet.dk of Denmark and Statnett of Norway. The MACH 2 system is the world's most used control system for HVDC and FACTS, with over 400 systems in operation.
BRAZIL
FACTS gives 500kV transmission link a boost
ABB has won a contract worth more than US$15 million to install Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) in Brazil to increase the capacity of the Colinas-Sobradinho 500kV transmission system in the north-east of the country. Awarded by ABENGOA, the Spanish contractor the contract covers three series compensation banks. The contract is scheduled for completion by the end of May 2006.
USA/MEXICO
Borderline potential
A new HVDC intertie between the USA and Mexico is to be designed and built by ABB. The installation will be a backto- back system capable of delivering 150MW of power in either direction. The system will connect Sharyland Utilities in Texas with Mexico’s CFE, enabling both transmission grids to share reserves and ultimately facilitate cross-border trading.
QATAR
Three turnkey substations
An order worth US$22 million has been won by ABB from the Qatar state-run utility, Kahramaa. The order is to supply equipment and commission three turnkey substations along a new 132km transmission line being built from Ras Laffan to Dukhan. Power Transmission Limited of India is is building the power line.
WORLDWIDE
Customer value award
Frost & Sullivan, the consulting company, has awarded its 2005 Customer Value Enhancement Award to ABB. The award is given for delivering outstanding value to customers worldwide. According to Frost & Sullivan, "Under its ‘Industrial IT for Power Generation’ solution portfolio, ABB has demonstrated the ability to translate its extensive processes knowledge and expertise into products, solutions, and service support that have helped its customers improve their overall performance." The Customer Value Enhancement Award is presented every year to the company that has best demonstrated the ability to expand its customer base while maintaining quality of service to existing customers.