Siemens Commissions India’s First HVDC Power Transmission Link

Siemens has successfully commissioned India’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Pugalur and Thrissur.

Siemens Limited has announced that it has successfully commissioned India’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link featuring voltage-sourced converter (VSC) technology. The 2,000 megawatts (MW) electricity transmission system, consisting of two links between Pugalur in the state of Tamil Nadu and Thrissur in Kerala, supports the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to counter the power deficit in India’s southern region and improve the grid stability. 

The ±320 kilovolt (kV) HVDC system was realised by Siemens Limited in association with a consortium of Siemens Energy (Germany) and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Japan and features for the first-time the integration of High Voltage Direct Current XLPE Cable with overhead lines in India. 

This VSC-based system features integration of HVDC XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) cable with overhead lines which saves right-of-way as well as has a 35-40 percent less land footprint compared to conventional HVDC system.

Major HVDC equipment such as interface transformers and IGBT-based power converters, and other high & medium voltage AC equipment such as gas-insulated switchgear, air-insulated switchgear, control and relay panels, etc. have been supplied from Siemens Limited’s factories in India.

Gerd Deusser, Executive Vice President and Head, Energy, Siemens Limited, said, “we take great pride in partnering PGCIL in this landmark HVDC project. It supports the major initiatives of the Government to achieve ‘24×7 Power for all‘ in the country by ensuring reliable power supply, improving the grid’s stability, and facilitating the efficient use of renewable energy. The project reinforces our purpose of driving the energy transition to more sustainable, reliable, and innovative systems.”

Earlier in February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had officially inaugurated the link that has now been put into commercial operation and enables the exchange of electricity in both directions. It had been revealed at the time that the project was built at cost of Rs 5070 crore.

At the time PM Modi had also dedicated to the nation the 50 MW Kasaragod solar power project. The project has been developed under the National Solar Energy Mission. Set up over 250 acres of land spread across Paivalike, Meenja and Chippar villages of Kasaragod district, it has been built with Central Government’s investment of around Rs 280 crore.