ABB has won an order worth $30 million from Hydro One Network Inc., one of Canada’s leading power utilities, to provide a turnkey static Var compensator (SVC) solution for a substation serving the Toronto area.

ABB will design, supply, install and commission the system, which is scheduled for completion by 2011. SVC is part of ABB’s group of FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) technologies, which includes solutions to enhance the capacity, reliability and efficiency of existing power transmission systems and contributing to the evolution of smarter grids. ABB is currently executing two similar projects for Hydro One.

FACTS technologies reduce the need for capital investment, saving time and reducing the complexity associated with construction of new power plants or transmission lines. 

Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 123,000 km low-voltage distribution system serving about 1.3 million end-users and smaller municipal utilities in the province.