Norway is in the forefront of renewable energy and has set ambitious targets to meet 67.5 percent1 of its electricity needs from renewables by 2020, which is the highest in Europe. To enable these targets, a strong transmission network to supply reliable electricity is key.
In the Northern part of Norway, the security of electricity supply is a challenge. The lack of grid capacity has resulted in major power outages over the last years. To address this issue, Statnett, the country's national system operator is constructing a 420-kilovolt (kV) transmission line to ensure the security of electricity supply in the north. The new line that runs from Ofoten to Hammerfest that is approximately 500 kilometers in length. Once completed, it will facilitate industrial growth and production of renewable energy such as wind and hydro in the region.
Providing secure and mobile power
"Our substations remain energized during the grid expansion. In order to minimize work near the energized substations, we chose a mobile, integrated GIS solution to supply power to ensure continuous substation operations," said Kirsten Faugstad, Project Manager, Statnett.
ABB's integrated GIS are mounted on trailers and easily transportable between sites to supply and re-route power throughout the grid expansion project. Fully assembled in the factory, the units are equipped with protection relays, control, monitoring and communication devices, as well as auxiliary equipment such as heating, lighting, and air conditioning. The factory assembled integrated GIS also provided Statnett with 50 percent reduction in installation time compared with conventional GIS installation.
ABB's mobile, integrated GIS is helping Statnett in implementing key grid expansion projects that will integrate renewable energy in Norway's power supply.
