Hitachi Energy will provide HVDC equipment for Marinus Link

Hitachi Energy has signed a contract with Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to supply HVDC converter stations for Marinus Link, a key project to connect the power grids of mainland Australia and Tasmania.

The project aims to facilitate the exchange of renewable energy between the states of Victoria and Tasmania.

The Marinus connection, stretching for approximately 345 km, is intended to enable a bi-directional flow of clean energy between the two states.

Hitachi Energy will supply HVDC Light voltage source converter stations, which will play a key role in the initial phase, managing the conversion of alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and vice versa, for efficient power transmission over long distances.

This project will be the first time in Australia where advanced converter technology will be used at both connection points to increase network stability and support the integration of greater amounts of renewable energy into the electricity grid.

The HVDC system will enable Tasmania to import surplus solar and wind power from Victoria while storing the additional energy, effectively acting as a large-scale battery for the country.

Marinus Link Pty Ltd CEO Caroline Wykamp said: “Today we have taken another decisive step towards delivering the project. Once our core HVDC systems are secured, Marinus Link will be ready for delivery by the end of the decade.

“Marinus Link is a cornerstone project of the Australian Government’s Rewiring the Nation plan and has been classified as urgent in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s national energy plan.

“The Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian Governments recently concluded a historic co-ownership agreement for Marinus Link, securing it as a key transmission project for Australia.”

The project is part of the country’s Net Zero goals, which aim to phase out coal-fired power generation and potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 140 million tons by 2050.

Hitachi Energy’s managing director of network integration, Niklas Persson, said: “As Australia rapidly transforms its grid to support the integration of cleaner energy sources, we are proud of our HVDC technology, which will help transmit large amounts of electricity with greater stability and lower consumption energy. losses.

“Interconnectors like Marinus Link provide customers with access to affordable, on-demand renewable energy supplies and expand storage options.”

Ownership of Marinus Link Pty Ltd is divided between the Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian Governments, with the Australian Government owning 49% of the shares, the Victorian Government 33.3% and the Tasmanian Government 17.7%.

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