July 18, 2014 – ABB reports it has won an order worth about $35 million from Hydro-Quebec to upgrade the 350MW Madawaska high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link that connects the grids of New Brunswick and Hydro Quebec.

“This upgrade will enhance power availability, reduce outages and improve grid reliability in the region,” said Claudio Facchin, head of ABB’s Power Systems division.

The project scope includes the installation of ABB’s MACH control and protection system, and the upgrade of the valves and valve cooling system. The back-to-back converter station has been in operation for more than 25 years, and the modernization is expected to improve grid reliability and reduce maintenance needs. The new station is scheduled to go into full operation in 2016.