Siemens Limited has 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 Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) to counter power deficit in India’s southern region and improve the grid stability. The ±320 kilovolt (kV) HVDC system was realized by Siemens Limited in association with a consortium of Siemens Energy (Germany) and Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., Japan – and features for the first-time the integration of HVDC XLPE Cable with overhead lines in India.
On February 19, 2021, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the link that is now enabling the exchange of electricity in both directions. 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 & relay panels etc., have been supplied from Siemens Limited’s factories in India.
Commenting on the development, Gerd Deusser, Executive Vice President and Head, Energy, Siemens Limited, said, “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
