ABB to support pumped hydro-storage power plant in Switzerland

ABB has been selected to supply six generator circuit breakers and transformers to a new hydro power plant in Nant de Drance, in Valais, Switzerland, to facilitate a safe and energy-efficient operation.

Located on the Swiss-French border between Martigny and Chamonix, the new pumped-storage power station is scheduled to come online in 2018.

ABB will provide Reliable generator circuit breakers (GCBs), the Isolated Phase Busduct (IPB), and the transformers help to ensure that the plant is operated efficiently.

Nant de Drance, the operator of the plant, is planning to invest around $2.2bn in the erection and installation of the power plant, along with its partners Alpiq, SBB, Industrial Works and the Valais Electricity Company FMV.

The pumped-storage power plant is expected to produce about 2,500 million kWh of electricity per year while the six sets of 150MW pump turbines will produce a total capacity of 900MW.

Capable of storing excess energy in the form of water, the plant uses the difference provided by the 425m vertical shafts between the two reservoirs to generate power.

In addition to contributing to the stability of the power grid, the plant generates power through turbine and in pump operation mode energy is stored into the lake, in the generator mode.

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Image: The new pumped hydro-storage power plant in Switzerland. Photo: Copyright 2014 ABB.