HVDC LIGHT AND AUTOMATION UPGRADES GIVE BP OIL PROJECT A NEW LEASE ON LIFE

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HVDC LIGHT AND AUTOMATION UPGRADES GIVE BP OIL PROJECT A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
29 June 2006 - ABB Automation Technologies

As part of the Valhall Re-development Project, ABB will provide front-end engineering design, with options for the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of the High Voltage Direct Current converters including the onshore station at Lista.

BP has also chosen ABB's System 800xA Extended Automation for integrated process control and safety on the Valhall redevelopment project. It will be fully integrated with the existing ABB Advant /Master systems on Valhall, and includes System 800xA High Integrity integrated safety instrumented system. ABB's System 800xA expands traditional control systems to include any component connected with automation in one simple interface, enabling smarter and more efficient platform management.

The upgrades are designed to extend the Valhall field's production until the year 2050, and the new production and hotel facility will be up and running in 2009. Valhall field was discovered in 1975 and production began in 1982.

The optional work is pending regulatory approval by Norwegian authorities, expected second quarter of 2006. The new transmission system will be in operation 2009.

"ABB has extensive experience with the technologies to be used, and recently installed the world's first HVDC Light system for offshore use, powering the Troll A platform from shore," says Samir Brikho, head of the Power Systems division of ABB.

High reliability, lower emissions
ABB's HVDC Light transmission system will include converter stations on either side, joined by a 292-kilometer-long cable. Under the contract, ABB has overall technical responsibility for the transmission system, which will transmit DC power from shore to the Valhall field to be converted to AC and used to feed the Valhall AC system. It will then be distributed to the other platforms in the field.

The system for Valhall will replace offshore gas turbines and deliver 78-megawatt power to run the complete field. This will make Valhall one of the most environmentally-friendly fields off Norway's shores. Emission reductions per year are estimated at 300,000 tons of CO2 and 250 tons of NOx.

Following the final installation, BP will achieve a safer and more effective source of power supply resulting in less maintenance and a lighter platform solution.

In a separate press release, BP explains that the company places great emphasis on a project's performance in the global market and the ability to deliver distinctive world class projects. Delivering capital efficient projects, safely, on schedule, within budget and with excellent operability is the ultimate goal for the Valhall Partners.

http://www.abb.com

About: ABB Automation Technologies
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs around 105,000 people.
ABB has streamlined its divisional structure to focus on two core businesses: Power Technologies and Automation Technologies. The Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals division is slated for divestment.

ABB Power Technologies serves electric, gas and water utilities as well as industrial and commercial customers, with a broad range of products, systems and services for power transmission, distribution and automation.

ABB Automation Technologies blends a robust product and service portfolio with end-user expertise and global presence to deliver solutions for control, motion, protection, and plant integration across the full range of process and utility industries.

In addition to ABB's automation activities directed at the oil and gas industries, ABB Lummus Global continues to design and supply production facilities, refineries and petrochemical plants.

ABB's former Upstream business, divested in July 2004, is now part of Vetco International (www.vetco.com).

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