After just over five years of preparations, today the shovel is put in the ground for one of the electricity network company Ellevio’s most complex infrastructure project ever: the rebuilding of the 100-year-old switchyard in Värtan, a huge investment that will be a hub in Stockholm’s future electricity supply. Linxon is supplying the full EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) to the project.
“The modernization of Värtan is crucial, both to solve the strained capacity situation and to realize Stockholm’s climate goals“, says Johan Lindehag, CEO of Ellevio.
The Värtan area has for over 100 years played a key role in the electricity supply of Stockholm. The reconstruction of the switchgear that is now starting is unique in its kind and is the first time this type of large-scale plant has been rebuilt – during operation – in Sweden. The aim is to strengthen the ability to receive and distribute electricity to a city that is predicted to increase electricity use by fifty percent over the next 25 years.
“This is a significant investment and one of several efforts Ellevio is making to solve the capacity situation in Stockholm, prepare for a huge increase in electricity consumption and realize the city’s goal of a fossil-free, climate-positive Stockholm 2040“, says Johan Lindehag.
When the new main grid station is completed in 2026, Stockholm will be prepared to be able to receive and distribute the increased amount of electricity the city can receive when Svenska kraftnät in turn has expanded its ability to bring more electricity to Stockholm.
Until then, the existing switchgear area will be completely changed. From an outdoor switchgear corresponding to two football pitches to compressed indoor switchgear with modern architecture.