Before winter arrives in Skara municipality, Sweden, the new substation is set to go live. Quality and doing things right are more important than speed. Here, the strength of two industry giants meets local commitment and a vision for a stable electricity supply in a vibrant rural landscape. And while the red exterior evokes tradition, the interior is filled with advanced, proven technical solutions. For Vallebygdens Energi, the local utility company, a significant technological leap awaits.
"We will gain better control over the power grid and operations when we measure and log the power quality continuously while also remotely monitoring the station. It will be easier to troubleshoot, and outage times will be shorter. Additionally, we have built a station that is easy to modify and expand over time – something that we can pass on to the next generation," said Jörgen Johansson, Operations Manager at Vallebygdens Energi.
The largest investment ever
Vallebygdens Energi and the new substation are located in a rural area with a mix of small communities and open countryside. The utility has been recognized multiple times for its innovative approach to developing services tailored to members' needs for electricity, fiber, water, and wastewater. The investment in the substation is its largest to date. The new substation replaces a nearly 50-year-old facility and merges two older substations into a centrally located, future-ready hub.
"Everyone involved in this project deserves praise for sharing Vallebygdens' approach and vision: to build a truly good substation that will last for generations," said Jörgen Johansson, Operations Manager at Vallebygdens Energi (second to the left), pictured with the project team: Henric Kristensen, Vattenfall Services, Thomas Karlsson, Vallebygdens Energi, Tommy Nordström, Vattenfall Services, and Niklas Lindblom, ABB. 
The red-painted substation is designed like a barn, blending into the landscape.
"Vallebygdens Energi is building a premium substation that will improve electricity supply and ensure stable energy delivery across the region. ABB supplies most of the electrification for the substation," explained Niklas Lindblom, Key Account Manager at ABB.
Collaboration as a success factor
With nine employees and only three on the electrical side: the CEO, Operations Manager, and a technician, Vallebygdens Energi relies on dedicated partners for a project of this scale. Vattenfall Services serves as the general contractor, handling construction, procurement, assembly, and testing. The collaboration is based on mutual trust and shared ambition.
"It is a high-quality and carefully designed substation. We have not skimped on any equipment but have chosen quality throughout," said Henric Kristensen, Project Manager at Vattenfall Services, and continued:
"We have had good collaboration with ABB for a long time, and we are very satisfied with their products. They are a premium brand and very reliable. Choosing a single supplier simplifies future service and maintenance."
Operational and personnel safety in focus
ABB’s delivery included medium-voltage switchgear: UniGear ZS1 (12 kV and 24 kV), as well as UniGear ZS3.2 (44 kV). These are equipped with Relion® protection relays (REF615, REF620, and REX640) to control, protect, and isolate the electrical equipment.
The substation will be connected to an upcoming solar and battery park and will supply electricity across 210 kilometers of medium-voltage network serving Vallebygdens Energi’s customers.
ABB's delivery includes proven technology, such as UniGear ZS1 switchgear with Relion REF615 protection relays. 
The all-in-one protection relay REX640 is a member of ABB's Relion product family. 
The TVOC-2 arc guard protects both personnel and equipment
”We have chosen a cost-effective solution and are creating a maintenance-free facility with easy, smart solutions that we know well. We have confidence in ABB's products," said Jörgen Johansson.
Operational and personnel safety were central to the substation’s design, with generous space behind the switchgear to ensure a safe working environment.
"Vallebygdens Energi has made lots of room, and it will be easy to perform service and expand in the future. It is a fantastic environment to work in," concluded Niklas Lindblom.
ABB's delivery
- 20 panels UniGear ZS1, 12 kV
- 7 panels UniGear ZS1, 24 kV
- 8 panels UniGear ZS3.2, 44 kV
- 70 protection relays Relion REF615, REF620, and REX640
- Additional equipment: cable cabinets, drives, control equipment, and arc guard
Vallebygdens Energi
Vallebygdens Energi is a cooperative in Axvall, Skara municipality. Owned by 1,200 members, it has a long tradition of providing essential infrastructure in rural areas. Vallebygdens Energi has approximately 2,700 power grid customers, 2,000 electricity trade customers, 2,000 fiber customers, and 500 water and sewage customers.
