First 800KV UHVDC transformer rolls out from ABB India, Vadodara factory

This transformer will be installed at POWER GRID’s Agra substation, a part of the North East-Agra 800 kV UHVDC transmission link.

ABB India rolled out the first 800 kilovolt (kV) converter transformer manufactured at their Vadodara facility in the state of Gujarat for the ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission link. The transport weight of the transformer is around 300 tons and it will be installed at POWERGRID’s Agra substation, part of the North East-Agra 800 kilovolt (kV), 6,000 MW, 1,750 km long, UHVDC transmission link.

“It is a privilege to be working on such a landmark project. UHVDC is the technology of choice for long-distance bulk power transmission and enables evacuation and transmission of clean energy from the North East to load centers of North India. It also brings cheaper power from the states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the North Eastern Region  with minimal losses,” said Pitamber Shivnani, President, Power Products Division, ABB India. “We continuously invest in and develop our local capabilities to enable us to make and deliver leading edge technologies in India.”

“As we upgrade the transmission network in the country, this milestone demonstrates that ABB is a well-positioned partner in our plans of bringing quality power to all,” said R P Sasmal, Director (Operations), PGCIL, who flagged off the converter transformer from the manufacturing facility.

When fully commissioned in 2016, the North-East Agra link will become the world’s first multi-terminal UHVDC connection. From the facility in Vadodara, ABB has already supplied six units of 400 kilovolt (kV) converter transformer for this project for installation at Alipurduar substations in West Bengal.