ABB enables world’s first HVDC grid in China

The Zhangbei high-voltage direct current (HVDC) grid in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area of China will enable the integration of remote wind, solar and hydro energy in a transmission ring that ensures optimization of power flow. This unique “HVDC grid” is designed by State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), one of the world’s leading power utilities. ABB will supply several critical elements including an HVDC Light valve, wall bushings, transformer components, high-voltage capacitors and power semiconductor devices.

HVDC is a highly efficient technology for transmitting large amounts of electricity over long distances with minimal losses. Traditionally, they are point-to-point links, but the Zhangbei pilot project is unique because several stations are connected with each other in a network, optimizing the use of renewables while ensuring reliability of power supply. ABB, as well as other local suppliers, is supplying key equipment for this milestone project, which will be the world’s largest and most advanced Voltage Sourced Converter (VSC) HVDC system with four interconnected stations in a ring network, delivering up to 4,500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy.

“ABB pioneered commercial HVDC technology more than sixty years ago and introduced crucial innovations like HVDC Light and ultra-high HVDC (UHVDC) transmission to ensure reliable and efficient power supplies,” said Claudio Facchin, President of ABB’s Power Grids division. “ABB’s participation in this project reflects SGCC’s ongoing confidence in ABB’s proven HVDC expertise and our long-term efforts to help China strengthen its power infrastructure while minimizing environmental impact”