2008-06-05 - This project highlights how renewable power sources can be integrated into existing grids to help combat climate change. It is estimated that during its 25 year service life the wind farm will supply clean electricity for up to 90,000 households.
ABB Australia, the leading power and automation technology group, has recently secured a $20 million dollar contract for a 330kV electrical substation and the power line works for the Capital Wind Farm Project situated 50km north of Canberra, ACT.
Once completed, the wind farm project will comprise of up to 63 2.1 MW wind turbines, translating to 132 MW of capacity. It is estimated that during its 25 year service life the wind farm will supply clean electricity for up to 90,000 households, which means a decrease of greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 450,000 tonnes per year.
Rory McDonald, substations business unit manager says: “ABB was selected because of our demonstrated technical expertise with 330 kV voltages and high quality products, coupled with our competitive offer. ABB’s high-end power technology is helping to increase grid reliability across the globe and follows on from the Groups recent success with a $400 million award for power equipment to connect the world’s largest offshore wind farm to the German grid.”
ABB’s scope of supply includes 330kV substation and 330kV switchgear, primary and secondary design, supply of all primary and secondary products, civil construction, electrical construction, and commissioning of the substation as a complete ABB integrated solution. ABB will also supply two large 80MVA power transformers, HV products and associated equipment as well as all protection and control systems.
This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to work with Suzlon, who are the 5th largest manufacturer and installer of wind power systems in the world. Suzlon Australia are building the wind farm on behalf of Renewable Power Ventures and the eventual operational responsibility for the substation will be with Transgrid, therefore it will be necessary for us to work closely with them to understand their design requirements, and this responsibility rests with our ABB Project Manager, Kevin Kriel.
The substation is scheduled to be completed early 2009 and will connect the wind farm to the Transgrid’s - Kangaroo Valley / Canberra 330kV transmission line.