Siemens Converter Stations for Channel Tunnel Power Link
Siemens has been awarded a contract worth approximately EUR 315 million from ElecLink, a subsidiary of Groupe Eurotunnel, to supply a link between the French and British power grids.
The ‘ElecLink’ high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link will enhance power supply in both countries.
Siemens will supply the two HVDC converter stations at both sides of the DC power line, which will be routed as a DC cable through the Channel Tunnel, a 38 km long undersea tunnel between Folkestone in Kent and Coquelles in Pas-de-Calais.
The scope of the order covers a 1000 MW converter system for a DC voltage of ±320 kilovolt (kV). The two converter stations, one at Peuplingues in France, the other in Folkestone in the UK, will be linked by a 51 kilometer-long DC power cable.
The scope of supply includes the overall system design and the supply, installation and commissioning of all components. The HVDC power modules and HVDC transformers will be manufactured at two Siemens factories in Nuremberg, Germany.
Both converter stations will be using HVDC Plus voltage-sourced converters in a modular multilevel converter arrangement (VSC-MMC) that convert AC to DC and DC back to AC on the other side of the link.
The link is scheduled to take up commercial operation early 2020, Siemens noted.
The foundation stone of the converter station was laid by Jesse Norman, minister for Industry and Energy signalling the start of the construction work which, when complete, will supply enough electricity to power more than 1.65 million typical households per year.
Ralf Christian, CEO of the Siemens Energy Management Division, said: “We are extremely pleased to drive the development of a high-performance, European interconnected power system. With this new interconnection we support our customer ElecLink to implement efficient market trading arrangements and the expanded integration of renewable energy sources.”
Steven Moore, chief executive officer of ElecLink said: “Today marks the culmination of years of hard work to make ElecLink a reality. I am delighted it can now proceed with world-class partners such as Siemens.”
