Reliable and Sustainable Power Supply for Megacities such as New York

Over the weekend and well ahead of schedule, Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc. commissioned a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link between Sayreville, New Jersey, and Long Island, New York. In July 2005, Siemens was awarded the contract to build the interconnection by Neptune Regional Transmission System LLC of Fairfield, Connecticut. After commissioning, Neptune RTS, owner and operator of the transmission system, will place the power link at the disposal of the local utility, Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). Thanks to this HVDC link, Long Island will be connected to the world’s largest wholesale electricity market, PJM, enabling LIPA to access reliable, diverse (including renewable energy), and lower cost energy sources. LIPA, with 1.1 million customers, will use the link to help cover a constantly growing power demand and strengthen the ”backbone” of Long Island’s transmission system.






For various reasons, including Long Island’s rapidly growing electricity consumption outpacing its ability to build new, economical “on-island” generation, the Neptune HVDC system was seen as an environmentally friendly, cost-effective solution for meeting its future power needs. The low-loss power transmission system provides access to diverse energy sources, including renewables, via a combination of submarine and subterranean cables linked directly to the electrical network in Nassau County, which borders on and is electrically interconnected with New York City.






A particular advantage of HVDC transmission technology when compared to constructing a new power plant or building a new conventional three-phase AC transmission line is the fact that the short-circuit power of the network does not increase; that is, no complex measures to upgrade the existing short-circuit capacity of the grid are required. In addition, fast acting control functions enable HVDC systems to help stabilize the connected networks, which constitutes a decisive benefit of this technology in the event of outages and blackouts in the system.






Starting at the end of June, 660 Megawatts (enough energy for 600,000 homes) at a DC voltage of 500 kV can flow via the HVDC submarine cable interconnection. The project was constructed by a consortium of Siemens and Prysmian Cables and Systems of Milan, Italy. The total equipment and construction contract value was approximately EUR 350 million (US $400M); the Siemens share equaled EUR 180 million (US$200M). Siemens, as the consortium manager, designed, manufactured, supplied, installed, and commissioned the two HVDC converter stations on a turnkey basis. The Siemens equipment included converter valves, converter transformers, smoothing reactors, high voltage switchgear as well as communication and control equipment. Siemens was also responsible for the ”local” civil construction work scope including valve halls and operations buildings. The consortium partner, Prysmian, supplied and installed a total of 105 km (65 mi) of submarine and subterranean cable.






Neptune RTS was founded as an independent developer with the goal of building commercial power transmission projects in the USA. In cooperation with Neptune RTS, Siemens as part of the development team helped promote the project over the course of more than three years. In addition to providing technological expertise, guiding the interconnection studies and supplying engineering services, Siemens also supported the project team’s efforts to secure the required regulatory approvals and environmental permits.






Siemens will provide all of the 24/7/365 operation and maintenance services required for the first 5 years of the link’s operation. By delivering a complete package of supply, installation, maintenance and operation, Siemens provides a seamless, single source for our customers´ needs. This comprehensive expertise and capability helps to fulfill the prerequisites for financing these kinds of complex supply projects. Through this project and similar projects around the world, Siemens plays its part in the enhancement of global security and sustainability of power supply.






About Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution (USA)






Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh, NC, creates innovative product, system and service solutions for its customers - electric utilities, transmission organizations, Independent System Operators, and large energy consumers. It is a leading supplier of high and medium voltage power delivery equipment, energy management systems, network planning and power system engineering software for regulated and deregulated generation, transmission, and distribution markets. The company’s products and systems are used to increase power system capacity and improve the reliability, stability and flexibility of power delivery and network control systems. It has operations in Wendell, NC; Jackson, MS; Minneapolis, MN; San Jose, CA; Schenectady, NY; Jackson, TN; Heber Springs, AR; and Atlanta, GA. For more information visit us at: www.usa.siemens.com/energy






Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $107.4 billion in fiscal 2006. Founded 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $21.4 billion and employs approximately 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens’ worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 480,000 people in 190 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.