ABB has won a $48 million contract to design, build and install a new power transmission system that will help strengthen India’s power supply. The order, signed with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd, is to supply a 500 MW HVDC system to connect two regional grids in eastern and southern India. The Vizag II HVDC project will be installed at Gazuwaka, located at Vishakhapatnam on India’s southeast coast. In addition to increasing the capacity for high-voltage power exchange between the eastern and southern power grids, the system will also provide voltage and frequency support for both grids during power disturbances. Vizag II is scheduled for completion and commercial operation by the start of 2005. The order is for project management, civil works and buildings, erection and commissioning and equipment including thyristor valves, converter transformers, and control and protection systems.
