ABB will build an ultrahigh-voltage transmission system worth about $900m for Power Grid Corporation of India’s (PGCIL) north-east Agra transmission project.
The network will supply hydropower from north-eastern India to the city of Agra in northern India over a distance of 1,728km.
The ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC) link, operating at 800kV, will have a converter capacity of 8000MW.
Once complete, the link will supply electricity to serve 90 million people based on average national consumption.
The system will be the world’s first UHVDC link with three converter stations — two sending stations and a receiving station.
The multiterminal system will reduce costs and the project will be executed on a turnkey basis including design, system engineering, supply, installation and commissioning.
ABB has been selected to complete transmission portion of the project, while BHEL be responsible for the remaining portion of the project worth $1.1bn.
