Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology to power Marinus Link, a

Melbourne, Australia / Zurich, Switzerland, May 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy has been selected by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to deliver a nationally significant high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project that will increase interconnection between Australia mainland and the Tasmanian network.

The HVDC system with a length of approximately 345 km of cable routes will enable the flow of renewable energy in both directions between the states of Victoria and Tasmania.

For the first time in Australia, Marinus Link will use advanced converter technology at both ends of the link to stabilize and integrate more and more renewable energy sources into the electricity grid.

The connection will enable the State of Tasmania to import surplus solar and wind energy produced in Victoria, while conserving water resources and storing additional energy. Clean hydropower can then power the continent’s grid when it is needed most, acting as a large battery for the country. In addition, it strengthens the security of supply in Australia’s electricity grid, where electricity is increasingly generated from renewable energy.

In the first phase of the project, Hitachi Energy will supply HVDC Light® voltage converter (VSC) stations that will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient long-distance transmission and DC to AC, where electricity is returned to the network.

“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 electrical losses,” said Niklas Persson, managing director at Hitachi Electricity Business integration of Energy’s energy network. “Interconnectors like Marinus Link provide customers with access to affordable, on-demand renewable energy supplies and expand storage options.”

Once both stages of the project are completed, Marinus Link will have a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW), equivalent to the power needed to power 1.5 million Australian homes. In line with Australia’s Net Zero ambitions, as coal-fired generation is phased out, the combination will save up to 140 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050, the equivalent of taking around 1 million cars off the road.1

Australia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. The cheapest route to safe and reliable electricity is renewable energy, linked by efficient transmission systems, supported by storage and pumped hydro.

Marinus Link is a project of national importance that will play a vital role in the two states’ energy ecosystem, where energy infrastructure requires a major overhaul to meet growing demand for electricity and ensure a steady and reliable flow of power as Australia transitions to renewable energy

“Today we have taken another decisive step towards implementing 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 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,” said Caroline Wykamp, ​​CEO of Marinus Link Pty Ltd. “Recently, the governments of Australia, Tasmania and Victoria historic Marinus Link co-ownership agreement, securing it as a key transmission project for Australia.”

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology 70 years ago and has delivered over half of the world’s HVDC projects. Today, the company has the largest installed HVDC base in the world.

1 https://www.marinuslink.com.au/

• Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology to power Australia’s Marinus Link

• Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology to power Australia’s Marinus Link