Alstom to Supply Two New Short Circuit Generators to DNV KEMA

ARNHEM and THE HAGUE, the Netherlands, July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Contract first step in expansion of DNV KEMA's High-Power Laboratory in Arnhem.

DNV KEMA has ordered two ALSTOM short circuit generators for the extension of DNV KEMA's high power laboratory in Arnhem, the Netherlands. The complete project consists of the supply and installation of two air-cooled short circuit generators and auxiliary systems such as a drive system, normal excitation system and lube oil system. All systems should be operational in 2015. The expanded power supply in DNV KEMA's High-Power Laboratory will be used to test new transformers, circuit breakers and other components for so-called super grids to transport high volumes of electricity across great distances, enabling a safe and reliable power infrastructure for the future all over the world.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130717/629356-a )

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130717/629356-b )

The test laboratory in Arnhem already has four ALSTOM short circuit generators in operation since 1970 for the testing of electrical grid components such as high power transformers, circuit breakers and switch gear. By adding these two identical short circuit generators, each capable to generate a three-phase short-circuit power in the test bay of 2100 MVA (@50Hz), the rating and capacity of this laboratory will be extended by fifty percent so as to become the world's first laboratory capable of testing at ultra-high power for super grid networks of 800 kV above for transport of electricity across great distances, ready to solve the electricity challenges of the future. The power generated for one test is comparable to the power supply to 500.000 households. This extension will also create additional test slots reducing the lead time for the current testing activities and thus increasing DNV KEMA's responsiveness to the current market needs.

Short circuit generators, for their specific purpose, operate at extreme working conditions. For such specificity, their reliability and robustness is of the utmost importance. The 4 ALSTOM short circuit generators installed for DNV KEMA in the '70s have demonstrated, in 40 years of operation, a very good performance.

David Walker, CEO DNV KEMA"As we aim for a safe and sustainable future, creating a safe and reliable energy infrastructure is highly critical," explains David Walker. "The transport of high volumes of electricity across great distances will facilitate the integration of renewable energy in the energy mix. It also helps provide energy from remote areas to densely populated areas of the world, such as large cities. Proper testing in this extreme segment minimises the risks for unexpected and major outages. Having ALSTOM as a solid partner enables us to invest in innovation in the Netherlands, and to address market needs."

Gerben Kolkman, MD Alstom Thermal Services:" We are very happy to provide these generators to DNV KEMA. With our Alstom lifecycle management approach we redefine also the concept of after sales support: we team up with DNV KEMA to improve the return on their assets while minimizing the lifetime environmental footprint of the process and the whole plant".

About DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, with more than 2,300 experts in over 30 countries around the world, is committed to driving the global transition toward a safe, reliable, efficient, and clean energy future. With a heritage of nearly 150 years, we specialize in providing world-class, innovative solutions in the fields of business & technical consultancy, testing, inspections & certification, risk management, and verification. As an objective and impartial knowledge-based company, we advise and support organizations along the energy value chain: producers, suppliers & end-users of energy, equipment manufacturers, as well as government bodies, corporations and non-governmental organizations. DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability is part of DNV, a global provider of services for managing risk with more than 10,000 employees in over 100 countries. For more information on DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, visit http://www.dnvkema.com.

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 93,000 people in around 100 countries. It had sales of over €20 billion and booked close to €24 billion in orders in 2012/13.

SOURCE Alstom and DNV KEMA