HVDC Transmission Networks
High-voltage direct current lines for long-distance power routing.
The Backbone of the Macro-Grid
High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission is technically superior to standard Alternating Current (AC) for moving massive amounts of power over long distances. AC lines suffer from reactive power losses and capacitance issues, especially when run underground or subsea. HVDC lines only require two conductors (compared to three for AC) and have much lower line losses (around 3% per 1000km).
Voltage Source Converters (VSC)
The primary barrier to HVDC is the extreme cost of the converter stations required at both ends of the line to change the power from AC to DC and back. However, modern VSC technology has reduced the physical footprint of these stations and allows them to provide vital grid stability services, like black-start capability and synthetic inertia.
| Metric | HVAC (800kV) | HVDC (±800kV) |
|---|---|---|
| Right-of-Way Width | ~85 meters | ~60 meters |
| Max Subsea Distance | ~50 - 80 km | Essentially unlimited (>1000km) |
| Breakeven Distance (Overhead) | N/A (Baseline) | ~600 - 800 km |
Interactive: Loss Calculator (Proxy)
Adjust the parameters below to run the model based on current baseline data.