Canadian energy utility company Emera has been formally handed the 500MW Maritime Link high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnector project.
The completion of the interconnector project will allow the transmission of clean, renewable energy, generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to the North American grid in Nova Scotia, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
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Swiss technology company ABB has completed the Maritime Link project and will continue to work with Emera and the system operators in each province during the initial operation.
The first exchange of electricity between the islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia took place in December 2017, with the project going into service January this year.
The Maritime Link project is equipped with the HVDC Light technology, which is reported to be the first bipolar configuration to use Voltage Source Converters (VSC).
The converter stations are also equipped with the ABB Ability based advanced MACH control and protection systems, which act like the brain of the HVDC link.
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By GlobalDataAdditionally, the system is equipped with advanced fault registration and remote control functions that protect the link from unexpected disruptions, such as lightning strikes.
ABB Grid Integration business head Patrick Fragman said: “Our proven HVDC Light technology will enable the historical Maritime Link project to integrate and deliver clean renewable energy while enhancing grid stability and enabling power sharing.
“HVDC transmission, a technology we pioneered and lead, is an important element of our Next Level strategy, reinforcing our position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”
Apart from two converter stations for the ±200kV HVDC link, the project scope also includes two 230kV alternating currents (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations.
