Hitachi Energy to connect Kudus to Mumbai with HVDC transmission system

The HVDC Light® transmission system will contribute to Mumbai obtaining 1,000 megawatts of power

Hitachi Energy, a market and technology leader in transmission, distribution, and grid automation solutions, announced that it had won a major order from Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Limited to provide a direct high-voltage current (HVDC) transmission system connecting Kudus to Mumbai on India’s west coast. 

Mumbai’s electricity consumption is increasing rapidly, with peak demand expected to reach 3,850 megawatts (MW) in 2022, with approximately 2,100 MW supplied from outside sources. The new HVDC link will supply up to 1,000 MW of electricity, nearly tripling power outside the city. The link will help Adani ensure a reliable power supply in the region by strengthening the existing transmission infrastructure. 

Power loads in cities are increasing globally, particularly in densely populated areas where land is already scarce. Difficulties can arise when new rights-of-way for traditional transmission lines get secured. HVDC technology enables large amounts of high-quality electricity to be delivered where they are most needed, with complete control and a small transmission system. With a population of over 20 million, Mumbai is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, and by utilising Hitachi Energy’s compact HVDC system and 50 kilometres of underground cables rather than overhead lines, nearly 2.3 square kilometres of land will be saved – the equivalent of more than 320 soccer fields. 

“Our HVDC systems have tremendous potential for bringing large amounts of electricity directly into cities like Mumbai, where it is most needed, but space is severely limited,” said Andreas Berthou, Global Product Group Manager of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “As the world becomes more sustainable, electricity will serve as the foundation for the entire energy system.” Mumbai unveiled its Climate Action Plan earlier this year, intending to become South Asia’s first carbonneutral city. The plan focuses on six sectors, including the decarbonisation of Mumbai’s energy grid, the construction of energy-efficient and climate-resilient infrastructure, and the promotion of low-carbon mobility solutions. This HVDC link will be a critical step toward modernising the city and state grids and realising the Climate Action Plan.

 Hitachi Energy has a strong HVDC track record in India, where it pioneered the technology with the Vindhyachal project in 1989. Hitachi Energy’s sixth HVDC project in India and the second UHVDC installation, following the multi-terminal North-East Agra link, is RaigarhPugalur.