Hydro-Quebec, Canada, has contracted ABB for an upgrade of a high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) converter station. The 25-year-old 1000-MW Chateauguay back-to-back HVDC station will be equipped with ABB's control and protection system, MACH 2.

The MACH 2 system is a commonly used control system for HVDC and FACTS (flexible AC transmission systems) with over 400 systems in operation. It is used in all types of HVDC installations from small, but  demanding, HVDC Light installations, to large, 3,000-MW power links.

Hydro-Quebec generates, transmits and distributes electricity, mainly using renewable energy sources. The company provides electricity to customers in Quebec, other parts of Canada, as well as to northeastern parts of the U.S. and is one of the world's largest producers of hydroelectricity.

The new control and protection system in Chateauguay will be commissioned during April and May in 2009, with an outage time of only seven weeks. Since the station comprises two blocks and each block will be renovated separately, the station will maintain at least half of its capacity during the installation period.