Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology for Italy power exchange
The project, names Sa.Co.I.3, aims to make the electricity system more efficient, reliable, and sustainable.
Image credit: Hitachi Energy
Switzerland, Zürich: Hitachi Energy has been selected by Terna, the Italian Transmission System Operator, and EDF, the integrated French energy company, to provide high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology to increase the supply and improve the flow of electricity over the connection between Italy’s mainland grid and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The interconnection is named Sa.Co.I.3 (a contraction of Sardinia – Corsica – Italy). It will replace in full the existing equipment with advanced HVDC technology and increase the power to 400 MW over a bipolar, multi-terminal scheme.
The connection aims to make the electricity system more efficient, reliable, and sustainable for the islands and Tuscany. It is part of the EU list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI)1 being of strategic importance for Europe and its islands.
“We are excited to have been selected by EDF and Terna to develop the Sa.Co.I.3 project and help to secure the power for the people living on these islands. This order continues our increased focus on HVDC technology while collaborating with the best civil contractors to provide our customers with the ideal solution,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business.
The company will provide its HVDC Light® solution, based on VSC (voltage source converter) technology, which converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for long-distance underwater transmission and DC to AC where the electricity is returned to the grid. Hitachi Energy is also collaborating with Pellegrini and Razel-Bec to provide the civil and installation scope of the project.
Source: Hitachi Energy