Valhall HVDC Light

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Undersea link lowers emissions and brings reliable power to offshore oil field.

For BP Norway, ABB is building the converter stations for an HVDC Light power link from the Norwegian shore to the Valhall field in the North Sea. It is part of the Valhall Re-Development Project.

ABB's responsibility is system engineering including the design and supply of the HVDC Light stations. The system will replace offshore gas turbines and deliver 78 megawatt power for the running of the field (see HVDC Light single line diagram).

The Valhall platform complex

CAD drawing of the Valhall HVDC Light module

The existing Valhall complex consists of five bridge-linked platforms.The Valhall facilities are subject to reservoir compaction resulting in seabed subsidence and as a result the water depth at site has increased by about 5 meters. Based on wave consideration and operation of the original facilities, it has been decided to replace the production and compression platform and the living quarter platform with a new facility in 2009. The HVDC Light converters will be placed on this new platform. This is the first time HVDC is used to supply an entire offshore 60 Hz AC system .

Power-from-shore is cost efficient and has the advantages to save space and weight on the platform itself. This solution also requires less maintenance offshore than the conventional solution with gas turbines. Last but not least, it will contribute to a safer working environment on the platform as well as being more environmentaly sound by reducing emissions.

Main data
Commissioning year:	2010
Power rating:	78 MW
No of circuits:	1
AC Voltage:	300 kV (Lista), 11 kV (Valhall)
DC Voltage:	150 kV
Length of DC submarine cable:	292 km
Main reason for choosing HVDC Light:	Reduce costs and improve operation efficiency of the field. Minimize emission of green house gases.