HVDC LIGHT TECHNOLOGY KEY TO 40-KILOMETER SUBSEA LINK

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HVDC LIGHT TECHNOLOGY KEY TO 40-KILOMETER SUBSEA LINK
30 August 2000 - ABB Automation Technologies

ABB, has won a US$ 120-million order to supply the transmission system for the HVDC (high-voltage direct current) Cross-Sound Cable subsea power interconnection linking Connecticut and Long Island, New York, in the U.S.

The order for the 330-megawatt, 40-kilometer link was placed by TransÉnergie U.S. Ltd., a subsidiary of TransÉnergie, the transmission division of Hydro-Québec, Canada. The link is scheduled to begin operation by May, 2002.

Under the terms of the contract, ABB will provide a complete HVDC Light transmission system. The system is made up of high-tech extruded cables buried under the seabed, with a converter station at each end of the link. The stations convert electricity from alternating current used in the local power grids to direct current for efficient power transmission over longer distances.

The Cross-Sound Cable subsea power interconnection follows close on the heels of ABB's two most recent HVDC Light installations. The first links Texas, U.S., to Mexico at Eagle Pass. The second, called Directlink, connects the New South Wales and Queensland, Australia electricity grids, allowing power to be traded between the two states for the first time.

ABB's HVDC Light technology uses high-power semiconductors, which when coupled with advanced cables, transmit electricity over long distances with lower losses and lower investment needs than conventional HVDC power transmission systems. It is equipped with measurement and control systems that enable power trading, making it especially suitable for deregulating and privatized power markets.

The Cross-Sound link is expected to improve the reliability of power supply in the Connecticut and New England power grids, while providing urgently needed electricity to Long Island. The HVDC Light connection is also designed to promote competition in the New York and New England electricity markets by enabling electricity to be traded among power generators and customers in both regions.

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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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