ABB has won orders worth around $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.

“The new transmission link, based on HVDC Light technology will increase capacity, facilitate power exchange, enhance grid reliability and improve the security of electric supply at both ends” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB's Power Systems division.

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 long, 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 EU (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 several environmental benefits, such as neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables and compact converter stations. It is the ideal solution to connect remote power sources like renewables to mainland networks, overcoming distance limitations and grid constraints, while ensuring robust performance and minimal electrical losses.