New gas-insulated switchgear electrical substations will help meet the increasing electricity demand to support economic growth
As part of Thailand’s Power Development Plan, national power utility, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is extending and upgrading the transmission infrastructure around the country to increase the security of the power network.
In Southeast of Bangkok, close to the Chao Phraya River, a 230-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) electrical substation is being built to strengthen transmission in the area, support the industrial and economic growth of the metropolitan areas within the wider Bangkok region. In the Northeast of the country, another 500 kV GIS substation is being constructed in the Ubon Ratchathani Province. ABB will design, supply and commission 50 GIS bays in the two substations for Sinohydro and SepCO III, leading turnkey engineering, procurement and construction companies in the region.
Substations enable the efficient and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. Within the substation, switchgear controls and protects the network from power outages and facilitates reliable electricity supply.
GIS is a compact metal encapsulated switchgear that uses pressurized insulating gas and enables safe operations in confined spaces while significantly reducing equipment footprint. The compact design of a GIS allows a space saving of up to 90 percent compared to air-insulated switchgear, a key enabler for urbanization.
“ABB’s proven GIS solution will enhance capacity and help deliver reliable power to meet the growing power demand. Our GIS has been enhancing electricity transmission in Thailand for almost two decades and have successfully deployed similar solutions across the country”, said Praditpong Suksirithawornkul, Account Manager.
ABB pioneered GIS technology 50 years ago and continues to drive innovations in this space. As a market and technology leader in high-voltage GIS technology, ABB offers ratings and applications from 72.5 kV to 1200 kV and has a global installed base of more than 30,000 bays. ABB’s latest offering includes eco-efficient and digital capabilities.
ABB’s GIS has been enhancing electricity transmission in Thailand and have successfully deployed similar solutions in Bang Pakong, Nan, Khon Kaen 4 and Roi Et 2 substations around the country.
