ABB supplies first Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) technology in Mexico, to enable reliable and sustainable power from renewable sources and ensure compliance with the new Mexican Grid Code.
The Mexican government has set an ambitious target. It hopes to have 35 percent of its energy needs met by renewable sources by 2024, half of which will come from wind energy. As part of this goal, Iberdrola, Mexico’s largest privately owned electric utility with more than 17 operating plants nationwide, is investing heavily in renewable facilities, aiming to reach 1,000 megawatts (MW) of installed power by 2019. Investments in both Combined Gas Cycles as well as Renewables such as Wind and Solar will allow the company to generate more than 20 percent of the electricity consumed in Mexico.
ABB is helping Iberdrola meets its goals as well as comply with stringent new grid codes by supplying high-end STATCOM technology to the company’s latest wind farm project, helping improve power supply and stabilize the grid.
Called the PIER 220 megawatt (MW) wind farm, it’s located in Puebla state, and is an extension of Iberdrola’s successfully commissioned wind farm in Mexico, PIER II 66 MW. PIER II at its time served as a significant boost to the economy of Puebla State as several hundreds of local workers were hired for its construction and additional electrical power has spurred more economic growth. Currently this wind farm generates electricity corresponding to the supply of approximately 70,000 Mexican households and facilitates saving 120,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. The new PIER 220 MW is expected to continue these positive social and environmental impacts. ABB will supply the first high-end STATCOM technology in the country. This technology increases power transfer capability, improves power quality and enhances grid stability, enabling energy efficiency and more reliable power supplies. This enables Iberdrola to integrate the wind farm to the national grid and as such supply efficient, reliable and available power to thousands of households in the area.
ABB’s STATCOM technology will enable Iberdrola to comply with the most stringent technical requirements of Mexico’s Grid Code (newly established in 2016). The Grid Code sets the standards for a higher level of reliability, supports grid expansion and market monitoring of the power grid. It will not only encourage the integration of clean energy sources, but also stimulate economic growth and promote transparency in the energy sector.
STATCOMs are part of ABB’s family of FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems) technologies that help reduce losses, enhance the capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems and contribute to better power quality with more efficient and reliable grids. As the technology pioneer and market leader in this area, ABB has delivered more than 800 FACTS installations around the world.
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