Converting existing transmission corridors to HVDC is an overlooked option for increasing transmission capacity

Significance A sustainable electricity grid will likely need to move large amounts of low-carbon bulk power as part of a strategy to reduce emissions. That will require expansion of transmission capacity, and changes in the topology of the system, even as the use of distributed generation increases. In many cases, maximizing the capacity of existing transmission corridors may best be done by conversion to high-voltage direct current (HVDC). While typically not included in planning tools, such conversion is surprisingly cost-effective, even over relatively short distances, and, in some cases, may be the only way to achieve dramatic increases in the capacity of existing corridors. Conversion may become even more attractive as new solid-state power electronics become available. A changing generation mix and growing demand for carbon-free electricity will almost certainly require dramatic changes in the infrastructure and topology of the electricity system. Rather than build new lines, one way to minimize social opposition and regulatory obstacles is to increase the capacity of existing transmission corridors. In addition to upgrading the capacity of high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) lines, we identify a number of situations in which conversion from HVAC to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) is the least-cost strategy to increase the capacity of the corridor. If restricted to the existing right-of-way (ROW), we find DC conversion to be the least-cost, and in some cases the only, option for distances of >200 km or for increases of >50% capacity. Across all configurations analyzed, we assess HVDC conversion to be the lower-cost option at >350 km and >50% capacity increases. While we recognize that capacity expansion through HVDC conversion may be the optimal solution in only some situations, with future improvements in the cost and performance of solid-state power electronics, conversion to HVDC could be attractive in a growing set of circumstances.