wiredInUSA April 2018

Power link in the pipeline

Fueling Alaska

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is seeking approval from the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem) for a power link between Orkney and Scotland’s mainland. A strategic wider works (SWW) final needs case has been submitted to the energy regulator for the 220MW capacity subsea cable transmission link. SSEN transmission director Dave Gardner said: “After developing several proposals to provide transmission reinforcement to Orkney over the years, submitting our needs case to Ofgem for regulatory approval is an important milestone.” Following the regulatory approval, SSEN plans to initially commission a single 220kV subsea cable in October 2022. It will be followed by a second cable of similar specification, subject to further generation commitment and the economic case for further investment. Image: Graemsay, flickr, via creativecommons.org

Image courtesy: NANA Archives

The challenge of providing reliable and affordable power has motivated many rural Arctic communities to incorporate increasing amounts of renewable resources to offset the high cost and environmental impact of diesel fuel. ABB will partner with the small communities of Deering and Buckland to install advanced modular plug-and-play microgrids to leverage the ABB Ability™ Microgrid Plus automation system and PowerStore™ storage technology, to maximize the adoption of wind power. “The deployment of these innovative microgrid solutions will enhance the integration of renewable energy and enable a stronger, smarter and greener grid in these remote parts of Alaska,” said Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s grid automation business. ABB’s Microgrid Plus control solution will manage the sophisticated automation of the hybrid systems while ensuring secure power supplies with an optimal renewable energy contribution. With the deployment of ABB’s PowerStore battery technology, these remote Alaska communities will be able to achieve up to 100 percent renewable penetration and support a sustainable energy future.

wiredInUSA - April 2018

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