ABB’s Sales & Marketing Manager for Power Grids EPC Solutions, Chris Goldsmith explains how ABB is highlighting its partnership and multi-channel capabilities for rail, making it ready to take on delivery of projects at any scale.
An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) can bring many benefits to a major rail infrastructure project, particularly when there is a large components of electrical technology. This is particularly true when a direct relationship forms between the owner of the infrastructure and the engineering experts who understand the capabilities of primary equipment.
Being able to discuss capabilities and challenges directly at an early stage enables a straightforward optioneering process. In turn, this helps to achieve the optimum design and demonstrate best value for money – an important consideration on publicly-funded projects.
Rather than suggesting off-the-shelf solutions for a new grid connection, we can put forward alternative solutions. For example, rather than creating a new grid connection, we may suggest a power electronic Static Frequency Converter like the one that Network Rail recently ordered from ABB to boost power for the East Coast Main Line in Doncaster. It will feed power into the East Coast Mainline from the nearby Northern Powergrid distribution network – avoiding the expense and lead time required for a new high voltage feed.
However, being a multi-channel supplier to the rail industry, we can provide guidance at any level from a major investment programme to individual projects and even down to the level of individual assets and products.
EPC partnership
We have recently formed a new relationship with an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) partner to further extend our capabilities all the way from product to Tier 1 level.
While we are still preparing to announce their identity, the partnership is a good fit. It will combine our knowledge of technology with our new partner’s commercial expertise in programme and project management in the rail industry worldwide, including high-speed lines. One factor that particularly attracted us to them is their history of working with multiple SME (small to medium enterprise) contractors.
In addition, having long-term financial stability and a joined up approach to service and lifetime asset management means that we will be around to continue supporting strategically important assets throughout their life.
Meanwhile, at ABB, we have already demonstrated successful delivery of rail and power grids infrastructure in the UK and around the world.
Much of this experience highlights how we can help customers meet specific business goals – for example by helping them reduce risk, suggesting alternative technologies to cut lead time and cost, or to maximise benefit to the local economy for strategic projects.
Factory tested modules for Great Western
One highlight is the Great Western Electrification Project, where ABB is delivering a turnkey project to build trackside substations. These include modular switchgear that has an inherently low environmental impact, as well as an innovative protection and control equipment scheme that has rationalised the number of high-value circuit breakers.
ABB’s element of the project is progressing well, helped by the fact that switchgear and protection and control scheme were delivered to site as factory tested modules ready to plug and play. Not only does this save time in construction and commissioning, but it also plays a role in reducing project risk.
Meeting objectives
Meanwhile, we also have experience of leading the delivery of rail infrastructure around the world, with one recent example being the first two phases of the Delhi Metro in India. On a turnkey basis, we delivered main supply, traction and auxiliary substations, as well as electrification of 25 kV overhead lines and a SCADA system.
Outside the rail sector, EDF Energy appointed ABB in Tier 1 capacity at Hinkley Point C, where we are delivering the infrastructure that will connect the 3,200 MW power station to the national grid.
In addition, we have recently completed the grid connection for the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm in Wales, where we helped our client Vattenfall to maximise the inward investment into the Welsh economy by using the local supply chain wherever possible.
Delivering projects such as this requires a high level of planning, recruitment and training to ensure that we have the skilled workforce we need. Our team includes experienced engineers as well as graduates and apprentices and we are actively training young people to form part of the UK’s next generation of experts in electrical technology.
Economic Contribution of UKRail report
According to a report on the Economic Contribution of UK Rail report published in February 2018 by Oxford Economics and sponsored by the Railway Industry Association (RIA), the railway industry contributes £36.4 billion to the UK economy. In addition, it supports 600,000 jobs, which is equivalent to the level of employment in the city of Birmingham.
These figures are based on the direct activity of building and operating railway systems, as well as the indirect impact in the supply chain and the induced impact enabled by the spending power of people who work for rail operators and suppliers.
