Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
July 21, 2022
HVDC Light® transmission system will help bring 1,000 megawatts of power to Mumbai.
Zurich, 21 July 2022 – Hitachi Energy, a market and technology leader in transmission, distribution and grid automation solutions, today announced it has won a major order from Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited, part of India's largest privately-owned power company Adani, to provide a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system which will link Kudus to Mumbai, on India's west coast.
Mumbai is experiencing a rapid increase in electricity consumption, seeing peak demand increasing to 3,850 megawatts (MW) in 2022, of which around 2,100 MW was supplied from outside sources*1. The new HVDC link will supply up to 1,000 MW of electricity, increasing power from outside of the city by almost 50 percent. The link will strengthen the existing transmission infrastructure and help Adani to ensure a reliable power supply in the region.
Globally, power loads in cities are increasing, especially in densely populated areas where land is already scarce, and difficulties can arise whenever new right-of-way must be secured for traditional transmission lines. HVDC technology enables large amounts of high-quality electricity to be delivered where it is most needed with complete control, with a very compact transmission system.
Mumbai is one of the world's most densely populated cities, with a population of over 20 million, and, by utilizing Hitachi Energy's compact HVDC system and 50 kilometers of underground cables rather than overhead lines, almost 2.3 square kilometers of land will be saved – the equivalent of more than 320 soccer pitches.
"Our HVDC systems have tremendous potential for bringing large amounts of electricity directly into cities, such as Mumbai, where it is needed most but space is severely limited," said Andreas Berthou, Global Product Group Manager of HVDC and HVDC Service of Hitachi Energy's Grid Integration business. "As the world becomes more sustainable, electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system."
Earlier this year Mumbai unveiled its Climate Action Plan*2, aiming towards becoming the first city to become carbon neutral in South Asia. The plan focuses on six sectors, including decarbonizing Mumbai's energy grid, building energy-efficient and climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting low carbon mobility solutions. This HVDC link will be a crucial step to modernizing the city and state grids, and essential to the fruition of the Climate Action Plan.
Hitachi Energy has an impressive HVDC track record in India, where it introduced the technology over 30 years ago with the Vindhyachal project in 1989. Raigarh-Pugalur is Hitachi Energy's sixth HVDC project in India and the second UHVDC installation, following the multi-terminal North-East Agra link.*3
Hitachi Energy's HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves, the MACH™ digital control platform*4 converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear, as well as in system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.
HVDC Light® is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and "power-from-shore" connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light's defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.
Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world's HVDC projects.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world's energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society with data and technology. We will solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, under the business structure of Digital Systems & Services, Green Energy & Mobility, Connective Industries and Automotive Systems. Driven by green, digital, and innovation, we aim for growth through collaboration with our customers. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2021 (ended March 31, 2022) totaled 10,264.6 billion yen ($84,136 million USD), with 853 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 370,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.