Vores Elnet futureproofs the power grid

Vores Elnet futureproofs the power grid

The green transition, new consumption patterns and the rise of decentralized energy sources are making it increasingly challenging to maintain the grid. The partnership between Vores Elnet and ABB demonstrates how project management, innovation and collaboration are driving the modernization of Denmark's power infrastructure – ensuring reliable electricity every day, all year round.

Haris Zukanovic and Jonas Darlem, both project managers at Vores Elnet, come from different professional backgrounds. Haris has a master’s degree in engineering, whereas Jonas started his career as an electrician before training as a high-voltage engineer. Today, they primarily work with maintaining, upgrading and expanding 60 kV transformer stations to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Jonas Darlem and Haris Zukanovic, both project managers at Vores Elenet, come from different professional backgrounds. Here pictured with Søren Bagge Skou, Sales Manager at ABB.
Jonas Darlem and Haris Zukanovic, both project managers at Vores Elenet, come from different professional backgrounds. Here pictured with Søren Bagge Skou, Sales Manager at ABB.
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"Denmark has one of the world’s most reliable power supplies, with outages averaging only 40 minutes every two years, but the challenges are increasing”, said Jonas Darlem.

He continued:  “The green transition means that the power grid must be able to handle increased demand from heat pumps, electric vehicles, EV chargers and businesses shifting to electricity-based production. At the same time, the grid must accommodate power from several decentralized energy sources, like wind turbines and solar parks, where production can fluctuate greatly. This makes it a greater challenge to maintain the balance between supply and demand.”

Major expansion of the 60 kV grid

Vores Elnet, which covers 90% of the 60 kV grid on the Funen and Langeland islands in Denmark, has launched a large-scale expansion of its 60 kV transformer substations. Previously, a new substation was built every five years. Now, eight new substations are being constructed in just three years.  

With rising electricity consumption, the existing 60 kV network can no longer meet the demand. New transformer substations are essential to relieve pressure on existing ones, connect new consumers and manufacturing plants, and to strengthen the robustness and flexibility of the grid.


“In short, Vores Elnet's primary task is to ensure that there is power in the sockets of all our co-owners
“In short, Vores Elnet's primary task is to ensure that there is power in the sockets of all our co-owners", said Jonas Darlem.
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“With these new 60 kV transformer substations, we will not only significantly boost capacity, but we will also have much greater flexibility to reroute power. This means that we can direct the power along alternative routes so that consumers do not experience power outages in connection with maintenance and repairs. And if interruptions occur, we can restore power much faster than we could previously”, said Jonas Darlem.

A strategic partnership

The partnership between Vores Elnet and ABB is built on framework agreements and standardized solutions that enable efficient rollout and fast delivery. All eight new substations will feature ABB's UniGear ZS1 switchgear, equipped with Relion® REX615 protection relays. One of the substations has Relion REF620 protection relays installed. The switchgear is modular and mounted back-to-back, so that work can be done on a single module without interrupting the power supply.

“All eight substations follow the same design. Standardization creates synergy and efficiency across the installation projects. ABB is not only a supplier, but actively contributes to the development of solutions that match our specific needs, which strengthens the technical quality and futureproofing of the installations”, explained Haris Zukanovic.

“The installation is designed to protect both equipment and personnel against operational errors and accidents. Safety is always the highest priority”, said Søren Bagge Skou, Sales Manager at ABB.

  • Safety is a key advantage of the UniGear ZS1 switchgear, which is designed with, among other things, automatic safety locking, exhaust duct, and full arc protection.
  • ABB provides the same contacts and project managers, which means that Vores Elnet does not have to start from scratch with each new project. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and delays.
  • Vores Elnet's site in Brændekilde is one of eigth new substations

Synergy and quality

ABB provides the same contact and project managers, which means that Vores Elnet does not have to start from scratch with each new project. This reduces the risk of miscommunication and delays. At the same time, ABB also contributes specialist knowledge beyond its core products, including  with steel structures and integration solutions. In this way, ABB supports the entire project life cycle – from design to commissioning.

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“ABB’s multidisciplinary approach strengthens the whole project and contributes to high quality, on-time delivery”, said Haris Zukanovic (pictured to the left).

Vores Elnet

Vores Elnet owns, operates and develops the power supply on most of Funen, supplying electricity to over 220,000 homes and businesses. It is part of the Energi Fyn Group, one of Denmark's oldest cooperatively owned energy companies.

About the project

By 2027, Vores Elnet will build eight new 60 kV substations. ABB's total delivery consists of 19 panels of medium-voltage air-insulated switchgear UniGear ZS1 with Relion protection relays, to control, protect and isolate the electrical equipment, ensuring the reliability of the electricity supply. The project also includes plant design, project management, installation, testing and commissioning of the equipment.

Photo: Christoffer Regild

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