3 July 2009 - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has been awarded a $24m contract by National Grid for a 400 kV substation that will provide the grid connection for a new power station in the north-west of England.
The Carrington Power project is a CCGT (combined-cycle gas turbine) plant located on the site of a former coal-fired power station near the city of Manchester. ESB International of Ireland is the majority shareholder in the project.
The new station, comprising two 430 MW generator modules, is expected to be completed by 2013 and to produce enough power to meet the needs of around one million households.
ABB's contract includes the supply of five bays of GIS (gas insulated switchgear) and associated systems. The switchgear will be housed in a dedicated building elevated by around 1.7 metres to ensure continued operation in the event of a flood. Future expansion by an additional seven bays of GIS equipment has also been allowed for.
