ABB control system to help France's power grid get smarter

RTE, the electricity transmission system operator of France, is executing a grid modernisation program across its electricity network to ensure reliable power supply to consumers across the country who have an annual power consumption of more than 440 TWh. The company has selected an ABB Ability Network Manager control system to help operators monitor and control the grid more efficiently.

The increasing contribution of renewables to the energy mix requires the grid to become more flexible and interconnected to handle intermittence, balance demand and supply, and ensure stability. This in turn calls for a more intelligent power grid that can handle integration of high levels of wind and solar and maximise the use of renewables to lower environmental impact, while at the same time safeguarding security and quality of power supply.

The ABB Ability Network Manager SCADA/EMS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management System) is a scalable solution that will help monitor and control the network with thousands of substations to ensure high system reliability across all of France — including Paris, otherwise known as the City of Light. ABB consortium partner Atos Worldgrid will be responsible for the system integration and maintenance of the system.

“Our ABB Ability Network Manager control system will enable RTE to manage and optimise the transmission network across France and help maximise the reliable and efficient delivery of clean power to millions of consumers,” said Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s Grid Automation business within the company’s Power Grids division.

“Enhancing our digital focus and supporting our customers as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid is a cornerstone of our Next Level strategy.”

Top image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Horváth Botond