ABB to deliver subsea high-voltage link to Icelandic island

2013-3-6

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has received an order worth around $10 million, from Landsnet, the Icelandic transmission system operator, to supply a high-voltage submarine and underground power-cable system that will transport electricity from the mainland to the volcanic island of Heimaey.

Heimaey is the only inhabited island of the Vestmannaeyiar archipelago off the southern coast of Icleand. The new 72 kilovolt (kV) cable system will replace an existing cable that is approaching the end of its operating life. It will increase the transmission capacity of the existing power link to ensure that the island’s 4,100 inhabitants and thriving fishing industry continue to receive reliable electricity supplies.

ABB will deliver the entire 17.5 kilometer (km) high-voltage cable system, including a 13 km submarine section, a 4.5 km underground section, and an integrated fiber-optic cable for telecommunications and temperature monitoring of the power cables. As part of the turnkey solution, ABB is responsible for design, engineering, submarine cable laying, joints and terminations, testing and commissioning.

"ABB’s high-voltage cable system will help to serve this island community with a reliable supply of electric power from the mainland grid,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “Our manufacturing capability, technical competence and proven experience will help us to maximize customer value in the execution of this fast-track project.”