ABB bags $400 million Canadian order for Maritime Link power project Power and Energy

NSP Maritime Link Inc., a subsidiary of Emera Inc has awarded a $400 million contract to the power and automation technology group ABB, to deliver a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission solution to develop the first electricity connection between the island of Newfoundland and the North American power grid.

The Maritime Link Project is a 500MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) link that will facilitate renewable electricity generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to the North American grid in Nova Scotia. The steady characteristics of ABB’s advance HVDC Light solution will also permit Nova Scotia to assimilate additional renewables and put up to Canada’s emission-reduction efforts.

ABB initiated HVDC and is a world leader in this main transmission technology which is being progressively positioned throughout a range of applications. Our advanced solution for this project will assist integrate clean renewable energy, provide the efficient transmission of electricity, enhance grid stability and facilitate power sharing, says, ABB Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Spiesshofer.

The Maritime Link will setup ABB’s HVDC Light Voltage Source Conversion (VSC) technology incorporating a full VSC bipolar configuration to further advance system availability.

Apart from the two converter stations for the ±200 kilovolt (kV) HVDC link, the scope of work also includes two 230 kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations. The project is expected for commissioning in 2017.

Major new hydropower projects are ongoing in the Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, covering the 824MW Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project. The development, along with the 2250MW Gull Island project, is part of a extensive strategy to develop the lower Churchill River. Crown Corporation Nalcor Energy is accountable for the project development.