January 17, 2017 – ABB reports it has completed a major upgrade of the 350MW Madawaska high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link connecting the grids of Quebec and New Brunswick, prompting ABB’s Claudio Facchin to say, “This upgrade will enhance power availability, reduce outages and improve grid reliability in the region”.

The back-to-back converter station has been in operation for more than 30 years, says ABB, and the modernization is expected to improve grid reliability and help reduce maintenance needs. The project, executed for Hydro-Quebec, includes the installation of ABB’s latest generation MACH control and protection system, and enhancement of the valves and associated cooling system.