Grid Expansion: ABB develops record cable system

Zurich, Switzerland - ABB, one of the leading power and automation technology groups, has successfully developed and tested a 525 kilovolt (kV) extruded high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable system to make renewable energy installations more efficient and cost-effective.

Increase of capacity about 64 percent

525 kV voltage sets world record for extruded HVDC cable technology. It will more than double the power capacity to about 2,600 megawatts (MW) from 1,000 MW. Moreover, it will also expand the cable's reach to distances of 1,500 kilometers, up from less than 1,000 kilometers, while keeping transmission losses under 5 percent.

Due to the new technology, there will be an increase of capacity about 64 percent over 320 kV, currently the highest voltage deployed for this type of technology. According to ABB, the 525kV cable system can be deployed in subsea and underground applications, making it ideal for efficient power delivery through densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas or coastal and open-sea applications.

Source: IWR Online, 22 Aug 2014