Alstom signs cooperation agreement with CET to develop Ultra High Voltage technology for Chinas Smart Grid

Alstom Grid is entering into a cooperation agreement with China Electric Power Equipment and Technology Co. Ltd (CET) to develop Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) power transmission systems in China. CET, a 100% subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), is one of the biggest companies in Chinas electric equipment industry.

The agreement was signed in Beijing in the presence of Cao ZhiAn, Executive Vice-President of SGCC, Wei Qinghai, General Manager of CET and Grégoire Poux-Guillaume, President of Alstom Grid.

Under the terms of the agreement, CET and Alstom will cooperate on 1100 kV and 800 kV converter transformer technology development and manufacture. DC convertor transformer technology, being a core component of the future UHVDC electrical grids, forms an integral part of the research and development project launched by SGCC earlier this year. This agreement represents another milestone in the strategic partnership between Alstom Grid and SGCC.

Mr Cao ZhiAn, Executive Vice-President of SGCC said, This year marks the starting point for SGCC to begin its large scale HVDC construction projects. SGCC has paid close attention to the cooperation between CET and Alstom in the development of UHVDC converter transformers, and will provide its full support. Meanwhile, I express my sincere wishes to the two companies for the success of this cooperation.

Grégoire Poux-Guillaume, President of Alstom Grid added, The co-development of converter transformers is of strategic importance for both Alstom Grid and CET. Alstom is proud to have this significant R&D cooperation with a subsidiary of SGCC. From co-development to co-production, this agreement will take Alstoms cooperation with SGCC to new horizons.

Alstom is a leading global player in HVDC transmission, the fastest growing segment of the high voltage market, with major projects in execution such as the 600 kV Rio Madeira (Brazil) HVDC link, incorporating the worlds longest transmission line (2,375 km).

Through the implementation of 800 kV direct current transmission and now the move towards              1100 kV DC, China is paving the way for the even higher voltages needed for efficient transmission of bulk electricity over ever longer distances.
 
About Alstom
Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world. It provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 92,000 people in 100 countries and had sales of 20.9 billion in 2010/11.

About Alstom Grid
Alstom Grid has over 100 years of expertise in electrical grids. Whether for utilities or electro-intensive industries or facilitating the trading of energy, Alstom Grid brings power to its customers projects.  Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with an annual sales turnover of more than 4 billion. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. At the heart of the development of Smart Grid, Alstom Grid offers products, services and integrated energy management solutions across the full energy value chainfrom power generation, through transmission and distribution grids and to the large end user.

About SGCC
SGCC was established on December 29th, 2002. It is a government-owned enterprise approved by the State Council to conduct government authorized investment activities. SGCC was ranked the 8th in the Fortune Global 500 in 2010, and is the largest utility in the world. The mission of the company is to provide safe, economical, clean and sustainable electric power for social and economic development. The company's core businesses are the construction and operation of power network that covers 26 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. Its service area represents 88% of the national territory, supported by more than 1,500,000 employees to serve a population of over one billion.


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christine.rahard@chq.alstom.com    stephane.farhi@chq.alstom.com  
Aline Besselièvre - Tel: +33 1 49 01 69 04 - aline.besselievre@alstom.com
Jenny Zhang (Alstom China): Tel: +86 10 8460 9196 - jenny-y.zhang@alstom.com

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