By Kari Williamson

The transmission grid project, to be completed by 2013, is part of the Competitive Renewable Energy Zones (CREZ) programme, aimed at increasing the contribution of renewable energy in Texas by up to 18 GW, making it one of the world’s largest land-based wind initiatives.

ABB will design, supply, install and commission four static var compensators (SVCs) at two sites. SVCs are part of ABB’s family of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS) technologies, said to enhance the capacity, and flexibility of power transmission systems and also contribute to the development of smarter grids.

“ABB has a strong track record of delivering environmentally friendly SVC solutions around the world and we have a large installed base in the US,” says Peter Leupp, Head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “We are pleased to support the grid integration of clean wind power and help improve power reliability in the region.”