ABB to support integration of renewables in Germany

Swiss power and automation technology group ABB has secured a $30m order to supply and install grid stabilisation technology for improved integration of renewable energy in Germany.

Under the deal, awarded by the German-Dutch transmission system operator Tennet, ABB will supply its Ability-based control system to improve power reliability.

The equipment will help the German grid absorb more and more renewable energy.

The deal will see ABB supply its hybrid Static Compensator (STATCOM) which will be installed at the Borken substation in Central Germany’s Hessen.

STATCOM is expected to support the grid with flexible reactive power compensation and dynamic voltage support to reduce the risk of voltage collapse and power outages.

The order will contribute to Germany’s ‘Energiewende’ energy transition roadmap that aims to have at least 80% of its energy coming in from renewable sources by 2050.

ABB noted that its STATCOM can stabilise voltage fluctuations caused by the intermittent nature of wind and solar and can smoothly transmit this electricity.

The company’s MACH control system, which is also part of its Ability digital offering, acts as the brain of STATCOM providing essential functionalities such as monitoring, control and protection to ensure reliable and efficient power supply.

ABB’s Power Grids division president Claudio Facchin said: “We are delighted to work with TenneT once again and support Germany’s mission to supply clean wind power to millions of people. Our innovative STATCOM technology will boost power transmission capacity of and improve power quality.

"The project exemplifies ABB’s strategic focus on renewables and leveraging technology to reinforce our position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”

STATCOM is part of ABB’s family of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) technologies that can improve the capacity and flexibility of power links.