HVDC Light

"HVDC Light is the most interesting power transmission system developed for several decades"
HVDC Light® is a state-of-the-art power system designed to transmit power underground and
under water, also over long distances. It offers numerous environmental benefits, including
“invisible” power lines, neutral electromagnetic fields, oil-free cables and compact converter
stations.
HVDC Light® increases the reliability of power grids, and the technology extends the
economical power range of HVDC transmission down to just a few tens of Megawatts (MW). In
the upper range, the technology now reaches 1,200 MW and ±320 kV.

It is quick to install and provides an alternative to conventional AC transmission systems and

local generation. Possible applications include:
• Connecting wind farms to power grids
• Underground power links
• Providing shore power supplies to islands and offshore oil & gas platforms
• Connecting asynchronous grids
• City centrer in-feed

Utilities are under extreme pressure to meet consumer and regulatory demands for a high quality,
competitively priced power supply that has low environmental impact. The expansion of AC
transmission capacity is often limited by local planning regulations and the concerns of local
residents who object to the installation of new overhead lines.

It is now economically feasible to expand transmission capacity using underground HVDC

cables. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact, it also improves the quality of
the power supply.

HVDC Light® was introduced in 1997. A number of underground transmissions up to 350 MW

are in commercial operation and more are being built. The first commercial project delivery -
Gotland HVDC Light - turned 10 years in November 2009 - read more about it here.

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Vineet Sikka
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Downloads
View related documents and downloads for:
• HVDC Light
HVDC Light topics:
• What is HVDC Light?
• Differences with classic HVDC
• Applications
• Power system benefits
• HVDC Light converter technology
• HVDC Light performance
 • HVDC Light cables
• HVDC and HVDC Light Reference Projects
• ABB Library for HVDC and HVDC Light
• HVDC and HVDC Light Development
Links:
• Sustainable links - HVDC is a key player in the evolution of a smarter grid
• FFWD - HVDC Special Issue
• HVDC Light Offshore (Oil & Gas)
• Subscribe to news at the ABB HVDC web site!
Videos
• "Touching Tomorrow" video - small version
• "Touching Tomorrow" video - large version