ABB India recently rolled out the first 800kV converter transformer manufactured at its Vadodara facility in Gujarat. Weighing around 300 tonnes, the transformer will be installed at Power Grid Corporation of India’s Agra substation in Uttar Pradesh. The transformer is part of the 800kV, 6000-mw North East-Agra UHVDC transmission link spanning over 1,750 km.
UHVDC (ultra high voltage direct current) is the technology of choice for long-distance bulk power transmission globally. The upcoming UHVDC line will enable evacuation and transmission of clean energy from the North East to load centers of North India. “It also brings cheaper power from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the North Eastern Region with minimal losses,” said Pitamber Shivnani, President, Power Products Division, ABB India.
“As we upgrade the transmission network in the country, this milestone demonstrates that ABB is a well-positioned partner in our plans of bringing quality power to all,” said R.P. Sasmal, Director (Operations), PGCIL, who flagged off the converter transformer from the manufacturing facility.
When fully commissioned in 2016, the North-East Agra link will become the world’s first multi-terminal UHVDC connection. From the facility in Vadodara, ABB has already supplied six 400kV converter transformers for this project for installation at Alipurduar substations in West Bengal.
ABB has been manufacturing power products in India for more than five decades. It commenced manufacturing of transformers at its Vadodara facility in 1999 and over time expanded its portfolio to become a major manufacturer of EHV and UHV transformers and reactors in India, a company release noted.
