HVDC Light: A New Technology for a Better Environment

A new transmission and distribution technology, HVDC Light, makes it economically feasible to connect smallscale, renewable power generation plants to the main AC grid. Vice versa, using the very same technology, remote locations as islands, mining districts and drilling platforms can be supplied with power from the main grid, thereby eliminating the need for inefficient, polluting local generation such as diesel units. The voltage, frequency, active and reactive power can be controlled precisely and independently of each other. This technology also relies on a new type of underground cable which can replace overhead lines at no cost penalty.