ABB, a power and automation technology group, has received an order worth around USD $130 million from electric cooperative Great River Energy to upgrade an existing HVDC (high-voltage direct current) connection in the US. Great River Energy is a leading power generation and transmission cooperative in the US state of Minnesota. The ± 400 kV HVDC transmission system provides a vital link for transferring 1,000-mW of electricity between Underwood, North Dakota and Buffalo, Minnesota, a distance of 700 kilometers. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2015.
As part of the project scope, ABB will undertake the upgrade and life extension of the converter valves, valve cooling systems, control and protection systems, and other related equipment at the converter stations. In addition to modernizing the HVDC system, the upgrade will also help improve grid reliability and efficiency. ABB has successfully carried out similar HVDC upgrades across the U.S. in recent years.