Full Power 660 kV HVDC Success in China
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On February 28th 2011, Pole 2 of State Grid Corporation of Chinas (SGCC) Ningdong-Shandong 660 kV HVDC connection was inaugurated, and the line has been fully tested at full 4000 MW power in bipole mode. Ningdong-Shandong HVDC connection transmits power from the Yinchuandong converter station in centre-North China (coal-generated power), to the Tsingdao converter station on the Eastern coast, over 1335 km. Pole 1 of the Ningdong-Shandong connection became operational on November 28, 2010, transmitting 2000 MW of power.
This is a significant achievement for Alstom Grid and our Chinese partner China Electric Power Research Institute (CEPRI), and confirms Alstom Grids strong capabilities to satisfy both the Chinese and the international HVDC markets. This is the first 660 kV HVDC link in the world and it comprises Alstom Grids new higher rated valve design. The Thyristor valves are the most powerful ever put in operation worldwide for an HVDC scheme. The project was delivered on a very tight contract schedule (first deliveries in less than four months and stations commissioned in less than two years after contract signature).
Long-distance High Voltage DC connections are the future of efficient transmission systems around the world. Alstom Grid is very proud to have been a partner on this prestigious world-first project with SGCC and CEPRI, stated Michel Augonnet, Senior Vice President, Alstom Grid. As transmission line voltages increase to 800 kV and beyond, the quality and viability of our HVDC thyristor technology is proven. Projects such as these will become more frequent in the years to come, connecting large power generation sites with distant load-centres.
In parallel, Alstom Grid and our Chinese partner CEPRI are working on another important project: the 500 kV 3000 MW HVDC transmission line scheme between Three Gorges Dam and Shanghai. Commissioning for that project is expected to be finalised by the end of March 2011.
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 96,500 people in more than 70 countries, and had sales of over 23 billion* in 2009/10. (*Pro forma figures)
Alstom Grid, the newest sector of Alstom, formed following the recent acquisition of AREVAs Transmission activities on 7 June 2010, 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 their customers projects. Alstom Grid ranks among the top 3 in electrical transmission sector with a sales turnover of approximately 3.5 billion in 2009. It has 20,000 employees and over 90 manufacturing and engineering sites worldwide. Its four main business areas are Products, Systems, Automation and Service.
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.
Press Contact:
Emmanuelle Helleux - +33 (0)1 49 01 70 87
Website www.alstom.com