The Crucial Role of HVDC Technology in Renewable Energy Integration

The article authored by Saqib Saeed, Chief Product Officer, highlights the surge in demand for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology in the APAC region, driven by the need for efficient long-distance transmission to support industrial centers and ambitious renewable energy targets for 2030. Countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan are leading this growth, integrating renewable sources such as offshore and onshore wind, solar, and hydropower into their grids. HVDC technology is preferred over traditional high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) systems due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness for long-distance transmission. The expansion of renewable energy, particularly in remote areas, necessitates robust transmission infrastructure, increasing the demand for HVDC systems.  

Investments are being made in HVDC to connect remote renewable sources and support cross-border energy initiatives, like the ASEAN Power Grid and the Asian Super Grid involving South Korea, China, and Japan. The growth of offshore wind capacity is further driving the adoption of HVDC Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology, known for its efficiency in integrating large-scale offshore wind projects. While HVDC-LCC has been favored early on for its cost efficiency, future growth in the APAC region is expected to be dominated by HVDC-VSC technology. This shift is driven by the need to enhance energy security, reduce electricity costs through cross-border interconnections, and better integrate renewable energy sources. By 2030, HVDC VSC is anticipated to surpass HVDC LCC in market dominance in the region. 

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