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Large-scale HVDC projects in the world

Impact on Energy Transition

High Voltage Direct Current technology (HVDC) is playing a key role in the transformation of the world’s energy system. Thanks to its efficiency in transmission of electricity over long distances with low losses makes it essential for integrating renewable energy into increasingly interconnected power grids. Below, we explore five of today’s most impactful HVDC projects.

1. Champlain Hudson Power Express (USA)

The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) is an underground and submarine transmission project that will transport clean electricity from the province of Quebec in Canada to New York City in the United States.

  • Capacity: 1,250 MW
  • Length: 537 km
  • Location: Quebec – New York
  • CO2 avoided: Approximately 3.9 million tonnes per year.
  • Impact: It will reduce New York’s dependence on fossil fuels, enabling a greater integration of renewable energy into the city’s power grid. It will also improve the reliability of the region’s electricity system providing a better price stability in the energy market.

2. Biscay Gulf Interconnector (Spain – France)

The Biscay Gulf Interconnector is a submarine electricity interconnection that will connect the electricity grids of Spain and France across the Bay of Biscay, strengthening energy security and increasing the exchange capacity between the two countries.

  • Capacity: 2,000 MW
  • Length: 400 km
  • Location: Spain – France
  • CO2 avoided: 3.5 million tonnes/year
  • Impact: It will enable greater integration of renewable energy in the Iberian Peninsula, improving access to low-carbon electricity in southern Europe and reducing dependence on fossil fuel generation. It will also strengthen the stability of the European grid and reduce energy costs for end consumers.

3. EuroAsia Interconnector (Cyprus – Greece – Israel)

The EuroAsia Interconnector is the first electricity link between Israel, Cyprus and Greece, providing an vital connection for energy security in the Mediterranean region.

  • Capacity: 2,000 MW
  • Length: 1,208 km
  • Location: Israel – Cyprus – Greece
  • CO2 avoided: 4.5 million tonnes/year
  • Impact: It will create a steady connection between Europe and the Middle East, supporting the integration of renewable energy in the region. It will enable the transport of clean energy from Israel to Europe and vice versa, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

4. Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project (Morocco – UK)

The Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project is an HVDC line that will transport solar and wind power from Morocco to the UK, providing a stable supply of renewable energy to the country.

  • Capacity: 3,600 MW
  • Length: 3,800 km
  • Location: Morocco – UK
  • CO2 avoided: 8 million tonnes per year
  • Impact: It will reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels by providing low-cost renewable electricity from the Moroccan desert. This project will be key to achieving the UK’s decarbonisation targets over the coming decades.

5. Sun Cable Australia-Asia PowerLink (Australia – Singapore)

This ambitious project will transport electricity generated in northern Australia to Singapore via a submarine HVDC system.

  • Capacity: 4,200 MW
  • Length: 4,300 km
  • Location: Australia – Singapore
  • CO2 avoided: 11 million tonnes per year
  • Impact: It will be the world’s longest submarine interconnection and will allow Singapore to source up to 15% of its electricity from Australian solar power, reducing its dependence on natural gas and supporting its energy transition.

Summary of the Total Project Impact

The combined impact of these five major projects is amazing:

  • Total installed capacity: 13,050 MW
  • Total transmission distance: 10,245 km
  • CO2 emissions avoided: More than 30.9 million tonnes per year.
  • Key benefits: Integration of large-scale renewables, reduction of dependence on fossil fuels and reinforcement of global energy stability.

These projects reflect the essential role of HVDC technology in the transformation of the global energy sector and its contribution to the fight against climate change.

Conclusions

The growth of HVDC interconnections around the world is a clear sign of the energy transition underway. This infrastructure enables more efficient use of renewable energy sources, reduces CO2 emissions and provides stability to power systems in different regions. With the growing demand for clean electricity and the global commitment to decarbonisation, projects such as these will continue to play a crucial role in the future of the energy sector.

References

  1. Champlain Hudson Power Express: https://www.chpexpress.com/
  2. Biscay Gulf Interconnector: https://www.inelfe.eu/en/gulf-biscay-interconnection
  3. EuroAsia Interconnector: https://www.euroasia-interconnector.com/
  4. Xlinks Morocco-UK Power Project: https://xlinks.co/
  5. Sun Cable Australia-Asia PowerLink: https://suncable.energy/

Power Electronics Department. Norvento Enerxía Technology Area.

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