ABB to Supply Two New Substations in Canada

ABB has received an order in excess of $50 million CAD from Manitoba Hydro to supply two new substations and upgrade four others as part of the Wuskwatim Transmission Stations complex in northern Manitoba.

The substations will help deliver power produced at the new 200-MW Wuskwatim Generating Station to the existing power grid, and will be energized in 2012. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2007.

ABB's advanced technologies and expertise will help Manitoba Hydro create new sources of power transmission and continue to provide reliable power to customers in Canada and the U.S. ABB’s gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) technology is ideally suited for this project, featuring best-in-class reliability and compact size.

“Manitoba Hydro awarded the contract to ABB because of our comprehensive understanding of their complex requirements, our ability to execute large projects, as well as the quality of our products, systems and solutions,” stated Sandy Taylor, President of ABB Canada.

The $1.3-billion project 750 km north of Winnipeg is an equity partnership between the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro, the province's major energy utility, on a power generating station.

“Equipment and systems will come from ABB units in Canada, US, Sweden and Switzerland,” said Jean Guay, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Front-End Sales, Canada. The package includes a 230-kV air-insulated substation (AIS) together with a static var compensation (SVC) system; a 230-kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation; the upgrade of four AIS substations and electrical protection and control systems using IEC 61850 technology.”

ABB will provide engineering, manufacturing, supply, and on-site staffing to supervise erection and commissioning.