Conclusions from a few Technical Publications

Light and invisible underground transmission with HVDC light
(ABB Review 4/2005)

Increased environmental pressure on overhead transmission lines is both raising total costs and increasing the risk for substantial project delays. New HVDC technology in the form of HVDC Light® has made underground options technically feasible and economically viable. This is especially so if the new grid investment is driven by security of supply issues. The conventional view that an underground link will cost 5 – 15 times its overhead counterpart must be revised. Depending on local conditions, it is realistic that the costs for an underground high-voltage line are equal to that of traditional overhead lines.

The ABCs of HVDC Technology
(IEEE Power & Engineering Magazine March/April 2007)

The favorable economics of long-distance bulk-power transmission with HVDC together with its controllability make it an interesting alternative or complement to ac transmission. The higher voltage levels, mature technology, and new converter designs have significantly increased the interest in HVDC transmission and expanded the range of applications.

High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission Systems Technology Review Paper
(ABB & World Bank)

HVDC systems remain the best economical and environmentally friendly option for the above conventional applications. However, three different dynamics - technology development, deregulation of electricity industry around the world, and a quantum leap in efforts to conserve the environment - are demanding a change in thinking that could make HVDC systems the preferred alternative to high voltage AC systems in many other situations as well. …… It is quite conceivable that with changed circumstances in the electricity industry, the technological developments, and environmental considerations, HVDC would be the preferred alternative in many more transmission projects.

Electric transmission system in change
(PESC Conference June 2008 – ABB)

HVDC is today a very mature technology that is developing very rapidly into higher voltages and higher power and more flexibility. The world faces tremendous challenges regarding supply of energy to a growing population. If this energy should be supplied without damage to the environment new types of generation will be needed such as distant hydro, wind at sea and solar generation in the deserts. All this requires transmission of big amounts of electric energy over long distances and HVDC is the most suitable technology for this task. We believe that HVDC will have a big role in the future to create a more sustainable world.