Hitachi Energy, a leader in energy technology, has recently landed a significant contract with the UK's SSEN Transmission to expedite the integration of bulk renewables into the country's power grid. This partnership involves the deployment of up to five High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter stations, acting as electricity transmission superhighways, to facilitate the smooth transportation of large amounts of renewable power from northern Scotland to higher consumption areas in the south.
Each HVDC connection system boasts an impressive capacity of up to 2 gigawatts (GW) and operates at a voltage level of 525-kilovolts (kV). In total, the ambitious 10 GW renewable electricity capacity achieved would be sufficient to power around 10 million UK homes.
The primary goal of these power corridors is twofold. Firstly, they will reinforce power transmission in the northern UK, ensuring stability and reliability in the region's electricity supply. Secondly, they will play a crucial role in supporting the integration of new renewable electricity generation in Scotland, aligned with the UK's Net Zero Strategy.
Hitachi Energy will be supplying its advanced Voltage Source Converter (VSC) converter stations for the project. These stations efficiently convert AC to DC for long-distance transmission and then convert it back to AC before returning the electricity to the grid.
The initial two projects, Arnish-Beauly and Spittal-Peterhead, have already been defined and will serve as foundational building blocks for the upcoming ventures. The remaining three projects will be strategically selected based on large-scale studies that are currently underway. The anticipated timeline for these HVDC links to be operational is from 2030 and beyond.
This partnership also complements Hitachi Energy's existing collaboration with SSE on various other HVDC projects in the UK. Notably, these include the Caithness Moray and Shetland links, which significantly boost the efficiency of renewable power transmission, enhance mainland grid reliability, and improve overall energy security. Additionally, the partnership includes the ambitious Dogger Bank Windfarm project, the world's largest offshore wind farm.
The agreement showcases Hitachi Energy's cutting-edge HVDC technology and its potential for effective deployment. Furthermore, the adoption of new business models allows for a scaling-up of the energy transition, enabling quicker progress towards sustainability and carbon neutrality.
With this groundbreaking contract, Hitachi Energy is well-prepared to increase manufacturing capacity, expand and train its workforce, and maximise standardisation across successive projects. The company's dedication to advancing renewable integration in the UK is a promising step towards a greener, more sustainable future for the country.
Reference: www.utilities-me.com "Hitachi Energy secures massive contract for renewables integration" by Utilities Middle East staff
https://www.utilities-me.com/news/hitachi-energy-secures-massive-contract-for-renewables-integration
