Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology to power Marinus Link
The link will use advanced converter technology at both ends to stabilize and integrate renewables into the grid, a first for Australia.
Image credit: Hitachi Energy
Switzerland, Zürich/Australia, Sydney: Hitachi Energy has been selected by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project of national significance, to augment the connection between mainland Australia and Tasmania. The approximately 345 km cable route HVDC system will enable the flow of renewable power in both directions between Victoria and Tasmania. The link will use advanced converter technology at both ends to stabilize and integrate renewables into the grid, a first for Australia.
The connection will enable Tasmania to import excess supply of solar and wind produced in Victoria, while reserving its hydro and storing the extra energy. Clean hydropower can then feed the mainland grid when it is needed. It also strengthens the security of supply in the grid in which electricity is increasingly generated from sustainable energy. Hitachi Energy will supply its HVDC Light® voltage source converter (VSC) stations in the first stage of the project, which will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient, long-distance transmission and DC to AC.
Upon completion of both project stages, Marinus Link will have a total capacity of 1500 MW, equal to the power needed for 1.5 million households. In line with Australia’s Net Zero ambitions, as coal-fuelled generation is retired, it will result in saving up to 140 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050. The coutnry has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.
Source: Hitachi Energy