Hitachi Energy, a globally renowned technology company that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has announced that it has been selected by Transmission Developers Inc., a Blackstone portfolio company that is specialized in renewable power development, to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station, which is a key part of the transmission solution for the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) HVDC interconnection between Québec, in Canada and the New York City metropolitan area, in the United States of America (USA).
CHPE HVDC interconnection link
The link will enable the delivery of clean, renewable hydropower between Canada and New York
The link will enable the delivery of clean, renewable hydropower between Canada and New York, contributing to New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which aims for the state of New York to be powered by 70 percent renewable energy by 2030.
CHPE is expected to decrease CO2 emissions by an average of 3.9 million metric tons per year, equivalent to removing 44 percent of passenger vehicles from New York City.
HVDC Light® technology
Using Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light® technology, CHPE will transfer up to 1,250 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 1 million New York households. The link will efficiently transmit electricity for more than 600 kilometers (372 miles) underground from Hertel in Canada, through Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, to an HVDC converter station in Astoria, Queens, New York City.
“HVDC systems have tremendous potential for bringing large amounts of electricity directly into cities, which is essential for securing sustainable and affordable power today, and in the future,” said Niklas Persson, the Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business, adding “We are proud to play a crucial role in this very important investment in North America’s transition to renewable energy and carbon neutrality.”
reliable transmission of renewable energy
“Hitachi Energy’s market leading HVDC technology will ensure efficient and reliable transmission of renewable energy for over 1 million New York homes and help achieve the state’s climate goals,” said Transmission Developers Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Donald Jessome, adding “We look forward to beginning construction activity later this year and to delivering an abundance of clean, renewable energy to New Yorkers.”
Power requirements in cities are increasing, especially in densely populated areas, where land is already scarce, and difficulties can arise when new right-of-ways must be secured for traditional transmission lines.
Complete CHPE system
HVDC technology enables large amounts of high-quality electricity to be delivered where most needed
HVDC technology enables large amounts of high-quality electricity to be delivered where it is most needed with complete control and with a very compact footprint, using out-of-sight underground or underwater cables.
The complete CHPE system, of which the HVDC converter stations are the enabling technology, is expected to create more than 1,400 jobs, during the construction phase and during the first 30 years of operation, it will deliver almost US$ 50 billion in economic benefits to the state of New York.
HVDC Light converter station
For the New York site, Hitachi Energy will supply the HVDC Light converter station that will convert the DC power from Canada to AC power and make it available for the AC grid in New York.
Kiewit, one of North America’s largest and most respected engineering and construction company, will be responsible for the civil works for the converter station in New York. The collaboration with Kiewit will combine the core competencies of the two companies to deliver a best-in-class solution.