The development of the 380 kV network and the increase in the output of the Veytaux power station obliged the owners, both former and current, to reflect on the configuration of the switchgear system and also on ecological restoration. With respect to the geographical situation of the Veytaux site, the installations are located within the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut regional nature reserve. As this area is part of the Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (IMNS) and the Federal Landscape Inventory (IFP), the project had to be submitted to the Nature Conservation organisation for authorisation.
A long-term solution was thus essential, enabling the integration of the high-voltage system into the natural landscape and responding to heightened demands with respect to realisation.
The new system was therefore realised in two successive stages: first of all the GIS-type (gas-insulated) shielded 220 kV system and then the GIS shielded 380 kV system. Two 380/220 kV transformers (150 MVA) were also installed on this site in order to link the different voltage levels and so enable the transition and exchange of energy.
The auxiliary services of the Veytaux system are fed by Romande Energie’s 20 kV network. A new control and protection system in accordance with the standard CEI61850 was implemented across the entire site. Civil engineering works were carried out in order to enable the system’s functioning while minimising interruption to the hydroelectric power station.
The general context of the electricity market and the reclassification to 380 kV of the high-voltage Romanel – Chamoson line, as announced in 2010, required the full modification of the installations of the Veytaux switchgear system in order to guarantee the connection of the power stations to the high-voltage electricity network.
Moreover, the original installations of the former switchgear system were showing certain signs of ageing. The platform’s supporting walls revealed major structural degradation, necessitating sizeable stabilisation work and reinforcement in the medium term.
These relatively restrictive requirements also had to be balanced against the following objectives:
| Business unit | EnerTrans |
| Client | Swissgrid SA |
| Location | Veytaux |
| Order volume | CHF 50 Mio |
| Year | 2011–2016 |
General planner (representing the project manager)
Pre-project
Construction project
Specifications, invitation to tender and evaluation
Submission for approval (ESTI, OFEV, Canton of VD, municipalities)
Acceptance of works (FAT, SAT, PAC)
Installation and commissioning
Safety concept, health and safety
General management of works
Primary technical engineering (GIS, transformers, 380 kV and 220 kV cables)
Secondary technical engineering (control and protection, SCADA, teleprotection, teletransmission, fibre optics, internal services)
Infrastructure and building engineering, 3D integration
Elaboration of order of work for the contractor
Establishment of an on-call service
Switch-on of specialist high-voltage installations (sequential planning, switch-on process, parameterisation and functional tests).
We participated actively in construction, installation and commissioning and ensured optimal interaction between the processes, systems and partners on location. This new injection point was put into service at the start of April 2014.
| Project | Replacement of the 220 kV AIS system with a 220 kV GIS system, a new 380 kV GIS system, 2 × 380/220 kV transformers, 150 MVA interconnection of 380 kV switchgear system with the FHML+ control centre |
| Mandate | General planning and realisation |
| Voltage level | 380 kV/220 kV, 50 Hz |
| Installation type | Gas-insulated (SF6) |
| Transformers | 2 × autotransformers 380/220 kV, 150 MVA |
| Number of exits | 220 kV: 2 × lines, 2 × transformers, 4 × groups, 1 × longitudinal section, 1 × switchgear with auxiliary rail tool. 380 kV: 2 lines, 2 × transformers, 2 × groups, 1 × longitudinal section, 1 × switchgear |
