ABB has received an order worth around $130 million from electric co-operative Great River Energy to upgrade an existing high voltage direct current connection in the USA. The ± 400 kV 700 km HVDC transmission system provides a significant link for transferring 1000 MWe between Underwood, North Dakota and Buffalo, Minnesota.
As part of the project scope, ABB will undertake the upgrade and life extension of the converter valves, valve cooling systems, control and protection systems and other related equipment at the converter stations. The modernisation is intended to help improve grid reliability and efficiency.