ABB wins $150 million power order for world’s highest capacity transmission link

2013-4-14

Zurich, Switzerland, April 10, 2013 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth around $150 million to supply converter transformers, DC (direct current) filter capacitors and key components for converter valves for the world’s highest capacity power link in China. The order was booked in the first quarter.
Once completed in 2014, the 8,000 megawatt (MW) Xiluodu-Zhexi link will be capable of transmitting the energy equivalent of eight large power plants and supplying 40 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to meet the needs of over 11 million Chinese consumers. The use of renewable hydropower will also help avoid combustion of more than 12 million metric tons of coal, reducing potential carbon emissions by about 34 million tons annually.

The 800-kilovolt (kV) ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission connection will transport clean hydropower over a distance of 1,670 kilometers, from Yibin in Sichuan province in southwest China to Zhejiang province on the east coast. ABB`s scope of supply for the project includes converter transformers, DC (direct current) filter capacitors and key components. As part of the transmission process, converter transformers provide a critical interface between the DC link and the alternating current (AC) network.

“We are pleased to continue supporting China’s efforts to build one of the most extensive and advanced power networks in the world,” said Bernhard Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products division. “This order augments our significant track record in the country and supports our strong local footprint in terms of engineering, manufacturing and R&D.”