ABB has won an order worth approximately USD 270 million from Statoil to provide an electric drive system for two new pre-compression units. The units will be used to improve production capacity and extend the lifespan of the world’s largest natural gas platform in the North Sea. The Troll A concrete deep water structure is located 70km from the west coast of Norway; it is the tallest structure ever to be moved by mankind. As gas is extracted from the field, reservoir pressure falls and production decreases. ABB’s units will provide a clean and energy efficient source of power to help the platform increase production capacity. As per the contract, ABB will supply two compressor drive systems, each consisting of one 50 megawatt/66 kilovolt high-voltage motor, which will be used to boost the gas pipeline flow. ABB will also provide two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission systems, including HVDC converters and subsea direct current cables to provide reliable power to the offshore equipment from the shore.
