Alstom Grid inaugurates the first 1200 kV disconnector

World premiere in Ultra High Voltage 

Alstom T&D India and Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) have inaugurated the worlds first 1200 kV double knee type disconnector[1], supplied by Alstom T&D Indias Padappai manufacturing plant, in southern India. The equipment will be installed at PGCILs 1200 kV national test station, located in Bina (Madhya Pradesh).

The innovative technology used for this new double knee type disconnector enables this type of equipment to achieve unparalleled voltage levels and completes Alstom T&D Indias integrated Supergrid offer. This technological breakthrough is a major step following the inauguration of the 1200 kV capacitor voltage transformer and optical current transformer provided by Alstom T&D India for the 1200 kV national test station. Alstom T&D Indias 1200 kV optical current transformer, from its COSI range, was unveiled in September 2012. PGCILs test station will facilitate field testing of 1200 kV equipment prior to the deployment of the countrys Ultra High Voltage AC transmission system.

Alstom Grid is the worlds N° 1 disconnector manufacturer, with ten production facilities in seven countries, and has delivered and installed over 140,000 units in more than 130 countries around the world. The double knee type disconnector is unique as it does not require any special tools in order to be adjusted. Alstoms solution is recognised worldwide as easy to install and adjust, with high performance and reliability. With its lifetime greased parts and corrosion-free material, it is virtually maintenance free.

Commenting on the success, Rathin Basu, Alstom T&D India Managing Director, said: As the leading supplier for the majority of the 765 kV Extra High Voltage (EHV) substations in India, we have associated ourselves, at an early stage, with PowerGrid to build the emerging Ultra High Voltage 1200 kV level transmission products and solutions. This recent project further reinforces Alstom T&D Indias leadership position in providing advanced technology manufactured locally in India.

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, 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 around 100 countries. It had sales of 20 billion and booked close to 22 billion in orders in 2011/12.

Alstom T&D India (globally known as Alstom Grid), is a market leader in the Indian power transmission sector. It has over 100 years of expertise in building the transmission infrastructure for the country. Alstom has a strong portfolio of products, solutions and services, comprising the entire range of transmission equipment up to Extra and Ultra High Voltages (765 kV and beyond) including air-insulated switchgear (AIS) and locally manufactured power transformers and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). It also provides power electronics solutions (HVDC, FACTS) to create super highways and offers highly advanced power management Smart Grid solutions for transmission and distribution including renewable energies integration. With over 3,500 employees and eight world class manufacturing units, Alstom T&D India is future ready to support the rapidly evolving transmission sector in India.

Press Contacts 
Aline Besselièvre (Alstom Grid) Tel: +33 1 49 01 69 04 aline.besselievre@alstom.com

Pooja Thakran (Alstom Grid India) Tel: +91- 8800 99 48 73 pooja.thakran@alstom.com

Website www.alstom.com; www.alstom.com/grid

[1] The term double knee type refers to the opening and closing movement of the disconnector, both vertically and horizontally. The product is also known as a semi-pantograph disconnector.