ABB Review Special Report - ABB - ABB Group

Forewordalternating current transmission systems(FACTS).State-of-the-art technologies such asHVDC and FACTS have precisely thequalities and capability that arerequired to prevent blackouts.HVDC lets utilities solve two problemsat the same time: using it to interconnectasynchronous power grids notonly increases reliability, but also setsthe stage for power trading acrossthose grids. Most of the world’s powernetworks were designed as nationalgrids or as regional grids within acountry. To facilitate open markets,these networks increasingly requireHVDC interconnections.With FACTS, utilities have devices attheir disposal with which they can betterutilize their existing infrastructure.FACTS provide an alternative to the constructionof new transmission lines orpower generation facilities by helpingto maintain or improve the operatingmargins necessary for grid stability. As aresult, consumers get more power withoutany extra strain being put on theenvironment, and projects are completedin a substantially shorter time.Wide area monitoring (WAM) systems areanother ABB offering that can preventthe collapse of entire power networks.GPS-synchronized current, voltage andfrequency information gives power systemoperators a dynamic overview of thenetwork conditions, and indicates theonset of conditions that, if unchecked,could cause system instability.The power grids of the 21st centurymust incorporate such high-end technologiesif they are to meet all thechallenges that lie ahead. The blackoutsof 2003 have served notice on theutilities, and demonstrated to the widerpublic, that power grids are vulnerable.In many countries, deregulation has alltoo often undermined the will to makenecessary investments in high-endtechnologies.A first step toward correcting this situationwould be for regulators to offer investors,such as utilities and developers,special incentives that encourage themto install technologies which can beimplemented quickly and increase therobustness of their transmission grids.In addition, quality standards for thepower supply are needed to ensurepower reliability and security.ABB is ready to give its best: proventechnology. But beyond superior powerproducts, systems and services, there isanother decisive contribution that ABBcan make: speed. Short delivery times,guaranteed by a commitment to beingfastest in everything we do, are inkeeping with the prevailing sense ofurgency. Power consumers around theworld do not want to wait, and shouldnot have to wait, one moment longerfor a reliable power supply.Peter SmitsMember of the Executive CommitteeHead of Power Technologies DivisionABB LtdSpecial ReportABB Review5