Alstom Awarded Contract for Substation

expat network

Alstom Awarded Contract for Substation

Alstom has been awarded a contract by Austrian energy provider Vorarlberger Illwerke AG [1], to deliver, install and commission a gas-insulated substation (GIS) for the Obervermuntwerk II pumped-storage power plant in western Austria. The GIS [2] will be linked to the power plant’s two transformers as well as to a network interconnection transformer enabling hydroelectric power to be connected to the Austrian grid. Alstom’s experience in delivery and assembly of complex equipment in hard-to-reach areas puts the company in good stead to complete the project by the end of 2017.

The Obervermuntwerk II power plant will be located 1,700 metres above sea level and is situated between the ‘Silvretta’ and ‘Vermunt’ reservoirs. Alstom’s GIS will be installed within the power plant cavern located underground. Given the space constraints, the GIS, which is up to ten times smaller than the alternative Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS), is the ideal technical solution.

“Renewable energies are naturally volatile and integrating them into the electricity grid is the biggest challenge of today´s grid expansion, and now there is a sense of urgency considering the energy transition currently underway in many European countries. Alstom’s GIS offers a solution that is able to balance the intermittency of the renewable energies and provide, together with the pump storage, a solid base for the future energy infrastructure in Austria and its neighbouring countries”, comments Josef Reisel, Managing Director of Alstom Austria GmbH in Vienna.

“Obervermuntwerk II will make use of the existing capacities of the Silvretta and Vermunt reservoirs. Its concept as underground cavern power plant meets the current requirements for the environmental compatibility of new projects. It was important to select a substation that met our requirements in terms of size, flexibility and efficiency.” explains Helmut Mennel, Member of the Board of Directors of Illwerke VKW.

Over 70% of energy generated in Austria comes from renewable energy sources, a large part derived from hydropower plants. Austria aims to improve on energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy in its mix. As a result, there is a growing demand for substations that are able to meet the needs of the network with intermittent renewable energy production.

This is Alstom’s second contract with Vorarlberger Illwerke AG for the Obervermuntwerk II pumped-storage power station. The first contract to supply two generators and exciters was secured in 2014.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.