Hitachi ABB Power Grids awarded contract to digitalise High Speed 1

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been awarded a £5.4 million ($6.6 million) contract to upgrade the Static Var Compensator (SVC) Control Systems and load balancer for High Speed 1 (HS1).

This new contract forms part of Hitachi’s ongoing work with UK Power Networks Services (UKPNS) to help manage existing traction power assets on the high-speed line.

UKPNS is responsible for all traction and non-traction power assets on the 109km rail line which connects the UK with mainland Europe.

This agreement includes three feeder stations equipped with Hitachi ABB Power Grids 33kV Static VAR Compensators (SVC), designed to specifically address UKPNS unique needs. SVC solutions are a cost-effective and efficient means to provide dynamic voltage support and maintain the reliability and efficiency of power supply by quickly adjusting line voltages. These solutions form part of efficient energy control of the HS1 line’s power system. The contract scope also provides for a long-term service agreement to maintain and manage software upgrades for the control systems.

“Our most recent work on HS1 with UKPNS comes on the back of our very successful consortium partnership for the safe and efficient delivery of 25kV traction power distribution substations on the Great Western Electrification Programme between London and Cardiff,” commented Ian Funnell, CEO of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in the UK and Ireland.

“We are proud to be playing such a leading role in the UK railway decarbonisation agenda with power, automation and electrification of the UK rail sector delivering more sustainable mobility choices for UK passengers and freight.”

In addition to this contract, UKPNS is also working with Hitachi ABB Power Grids to enhance the trackside data collection system and replace traction power SCADA systems on the HS1 line. The team uses Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ RTU500 platform, with MicroSCADA X for automation and control solution overlaid with Asset Performance Management (APM) to help simplify the interaction with the power network and provide operators, regardless of their location, with a fast, clear real-time overview of the network landscape. This fundamentally supports a predict and prevent strategy for maintenance and asset management.

David Mitchell, Head of Client Delivery for UKPNS said, “Having reliable assets and understanding how those assets are performing is critical to us. Integrating proven technologies through trusted partners enables us to continue to invest in High Speed 1’s electricity infrastructure and deliver a resilient power supply, maintaining cross-border train travel and ensuring a safe and reliable passenger experience.”