The first step of a two-phased project designed to address the growing power needs of IndiaÂ’s northern region is now energised. GE Energy Connections has announced that it has successfully transmitted 1,500 MW of power for Phase-1 of the Champa Ultra High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) project. Led by Power Grid Corporation of India, the project will connect reliable, safe, and efficient energy to an estimated 46 per cent of IndiaÂ’s population. This would benefit the people in North India with leading states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The Champa 800 kV UHVDC project will connect thermal power produced in Chhattisgarh to the north via Kurukshetra, through a 1,365-km energy highway. Executed in two phases, the project will transport 6,000 MW of power upon full completion. Both phases comprise two poles, each with the capacity to transmit 1,500 MW. This is also the first 800 kV scheme in the world to use dedicated metallic return conductors, eliminating the need for ground electrodes and increasing the systemÂ’s reliability.
HVDC was the preferred solution for bulk electrical transmission over long distances to consumption areas. An HVDC system is all about making existing power grids more effective in a world where cost-efficient transport of electricity and environmental impact are becoming increasingly critical. It is the answer to one of the biggest challenges: moving more power, faster. This system can transmit up to three times more power over long distances than traditional alternating current transmission. HVDC is also more efficient with lower losses than traditional AC transmission solutions. Traditional HVDC technologies use transmission voltages of up to 600 kV, while UHVDC has the capability to transmit at voltages of 800 kVand beyond.
“Connecting people all over the world to the energy they need to live and thrive is our purpose at Energy Connections. When we help turn the lights on for the India’s northern region, we are improving the lives of over half a billion people. We are proud to have partnered with Power Grid to deliver and commission this brand new 800 kV UHVDC connection for India,” said Reinaldo Garcia, President and CEO, Grid Solutions, GE Energy Connections. The global market for HVDC is currently valued at around $6 billion, and is set to reach approximately $15 billion by the end of 2026. To date, GE has designed, delivered and supported the installation of HVDC capacity of more than 35 GW globally, in a broad range of applications and environments.
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