ABB to Install Subsea Cables for Troll A Platform

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order from Statoil to install high voltage subsea cables to supply power to the Troll A gas platform on the western coast of Norway.

The Troll A concrete deep water structure is the world’s largest natural gas production platform, 473 meters tall and weighs 1.2 million tons; it is the tallest structure ever to be moved by mankind. The platform can produce as much as 120 million cubic meters per day; it contains approximately 40 percent of the natural gas reserves on the Norwegian Continental Shelf and is a cornerstone of the gas supply to the European Continent.

The ABB contract includes pre-studies, cable laying and installation of 350 kms of high voltage AC and DC cables, as well as project management and related engineering services. The AC cable will supply power to the safety and automation systems, the DC cables will supply power to two new gas compressors. With this new contract, ABB’s orders in connection with the installation of the two new compressors on the Troll A platform amounts to $360 million.

When completed, the Troll A platform will be equipped with two HVDC Light installations from ABB, enabling the gas compressors on board to be powered from shore. Over time, as the oil and gas is extracted, the subsea reservoir pressure drops and production decreases unless the pressure is maintained by gas compression. The installation of two new gas compressors will improve production capacity and extend the lifespan of the world’s largest offshore natural gas platform.

The compressors on the platform must have a reliable, continuous power supply to maintain their operation. ABB’s energy- and cost efficient electrical drive system makes it possible to power the compressors with clean hydropower from the mainland grid, resulting in easier, more flexible operations of the compressors, compared to traditional onboard power generation.

“Reliable power from shore will contribute to safe and efficient operations of the gas compressors on the platform. Statoil has already had good experience with a similar system since 2005, and we appreciate being chosen as a supplier once again,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “With this contract ABB takes responsibility for the complete electrical drive system, since the customer wanted one supplier to handle project management, engineering, installation and civil works. The Troll A contracts demonstrate our ability to take on major oil and gas projects.”

Troll A inaugurated its first power from shore solution in 2005, and the new system will be operational from 2014. Both systems are based on ABB’s compact HVDC Light concept, ideal for the efficient transmission of power over vast distances. The first order for this technology was for the Troll A platform.

ABB is the main supplier to all five power-from-shore installations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The new contract with Statoil confirms the strong position within electrification of offshore installations.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.

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Press Release, August 28, 2012