ABB has won orders worth around US$580 million from Svenska Kraftnät of Sweden and LITGRID turtas AB of Lithuania to supply a new power transmission link between the Nordic and Baltic regions.

ABB will deliver a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system comprising two converter stations and cable to transmit 700 MW of electricity with minimum losses across a distance of more than 400 km (435 miles). ABB will design, engineer, supply and commission two 700-MW, ±300-kV converter stations using ABB's HVDC Light technology, one in Nybro, Sweden, the other in Klaipeda, Lithuania. The order also includes the supply and installation of two 300-kV underwater cables, each 400 km, and land cables of the same voltage in Sweden and Lithuania.

The system incorporates special features such as active AC voltage support providing greater network stability and black-start capability providing faster grid restoration after a blackout. The system is capable of being integrated into a future pan-European grid with the evolution of the DC grid concept under discussion around the world. The project will be supported by European Union funding and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015. The Estonia-Finland Estlink, delivered by ABB in 2006 was the first interconnection integrating the Nordic and Baltic energy markets.

HVDC Light technology offers environmental benefits, such as neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables and compact converter stations. It is an ideal solution to connect remote power sources to mainland networks, overcoming distance limitations and grid constraints, while ensuring robust performance and minimizing electrical losses.

For more information, visit www.abb.com.