How High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power transmission is revolutionising the energy industry in Europe

Mr. Colin Davidson, HVDC/FACTS Technology Director Alstom Grid

Abstract

Ever since the early 20^th century, most electrical power has been transmitted as Alternating Current (AC). However, Direct Current transmission (HVDC) has advantages over AC transmission in certain circumstances, such as where asynchronous AC grids are to be interconnected or power needs to be transmitted for long distances by undersea cables. HVDC transmission has been an important niche technology in power engineering since the 1950s but in recent years has started to assume much wider importance, as the European Union struggles to make the transition from a fossil-fuel-based energy system to a much wider use of renewable energy resources. The talk will explain the benefits of HVDC in comparison with AC transmission and will then go on to discuss some of the exciting developments that could lead to a “DC supergrid” in Europe.