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HVDC link to make offshore generators obsolete

An ABB Power Technologies product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 18, 2006

ABB has won a contract to supply equipment for an underwater power link that will increase reliable and safe electricity supply and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ABB has won a contract worth $50 million from BP in Norway to supply equipment for an underwater power link that will increase reliable and safe electricity supply and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ABB will supply the convertor stations at each end of the 292km cable which will bring DC power from Lista in southern Norway to the Valhall oil field in the North Sea where it will be converted to AC.

The system uses high voltage direct current (HVDC) light technology, an ABB innovation for delivering high-voltage power underground and underwater.

"Our technology will make more efficient use of energy and helps reduce production costs", said Samir Brikho, Head of ABB's Power Systems division.

"Last year we installed the world's first system using the technology offshore, also in the North Sea, and we see further applications for it such as in offshore windfarms".

The power link will replace offshore gas turbines and cut emissions of carbon dioxide by 300,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to the amount generated by about 30,000 households.

It will also cut maintenance and reduce the weight of equipment on the platform.

The installation will deliver 78MW of power when it starts operating in 2009, enough to run Valhall and other platforms in the field.

Execution of the project is subject to approval of a redevelopment plan for the oil field that will be submitted to the Norwegian authorities in August.

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