ABB Backs Belgian Grid

ABB has won an order worth around EUR 30.8 million from Belgian electricity transmission system operator Elia for Stevin project.

The company will supply gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and shunt reactors, helping stabilize and expand the country’s power grid to accommodate more wind energy.

Elia is undertaking the Stevin project, including a new 47-kilometer, double 380-kilovolt (kV) high-voltage line between cities of Zomergem and Zeebrugge, because its existing 150-kV grid is no longer sufficient to sustain the country’s and region’s electricity demand.

This will enable offshore wind power to be brought on land and transmitted to the domestic market. The increased capacity will also support power flow over a subsea direct-current connection between the United Kingdom and Belgium.

Once completed, Stevin will help Belgium reach its goal of generating 13 percent of energy needs from renewables by 2020 by facilitating integration of offshore wind power.

“ABB’s latest GIS is extremely compact and offers high reliability and safety while minimizing environmental impact,” said Bernhard Jucker, president of ABB’s Power Products division. “We are pleased to support the integration of renewable energy and help strengthen the Belgian grid.”