Texas to increase renewable energy sources by up to 18 GW; ABB wins US$50M order to increase state's wind power by 2013

Tracy McDonald

ZURICH , January 9, 2012 (press release) – FACTS solution to strengthen transmission grid and facilitate integration of wind power

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth over $50 million from Electric Transmission Texas LLC (ETT), to provide electrical equipment that will improve reliability, strengthen the existing transmission grid and facilitate the integration of wind power. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The project, to be completed by 2013, is part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) program, aimed at increasing the contribution of renewable energy in Texas by up to 18 gigawatts, making it one of the world’s largest land-based wind initiatives.

ABB will design, supply, install and commission four static var compensators (SVCs) at two sites. SVCs are part of ABB’s family of FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) technologies, which help enhance the capacity, and flexibility of power transmission systems and also contribute to the development of smarter grids. FACTS technologies allow more power to reach consumers with minimal environmental impact, lower investment costs and shorter implementation times than the traditional alternative of building new power plants and transmission lines. They also help address voltage and frequency stability issues and enable the transmission system to run more efficiently.

“ABB has a strong track record of delivering environmentally friendly SVC solutions around the world and we have a large installed base in the US,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “We are pleased to support the grid integration of clean wind power and help improve power reliability in the region.”

ABB is a global leader in the growing field of FACTS, and has more than 800 such installations in operation or under construction across the world.

ETT is a joint venture between subsidiaries of American Electric Power (AEP) and MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company. ETT owns and operates transmission facilities within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, primarily in and around the AEP Texas Central Company and AEP Texas North Company service territories.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering their environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 130,000 people.

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