Spanish transmission system operator (TSO) Red Electrica De Espana S.A (REE) has awarded GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions with a contract for the supply of ten mobile substations for the Canary and Balearic Islands, including one sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free substation that will support Spain in its decarbonisation goals.
Under the contract, GE will provide three 72.5 kV containerised gas-insulated mobile substations and seven 145/72.5 kV substations. The green gas for a grid (g-3) substation is rated at 72.5 kV. The containerised gas-insulated mobile station, with GE’s g-3 technology, will be installed on Tenerife, the largest and most popular Canary island.
Spain’s Canary and Balearic Islands feature a pristine natural beauty that attracts millions of visitors from all around the world each year. However, it has been challenging to provide reliable electricity to the local community and visitors as the islands are a vast distance away from the mainland transmission networks. This – coupled with the limited space for on-island power generation and distribution – and the potential exposure to extreme weather conditions and sensitive natural areas, require grid solutions that are both effective and more environmentally friendly.
According to reports, the g-3 mobile station will help contribute to Spain’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2030. As reported, the compact units can be transported from one substation to another, or between islands, by standard maritime shipping, in case of an emergency or scheduled substation refurbishment.
REGlobal‘s Views: The project marks the introduction of the first g-3 substation in Spain, where- this technology has been integrated into a mobile substation. It is being considered crucial for providing reliable electricity to the local community and visitors, as the islands are a vast distance away from the mainland transmission networks.
