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HVDC corridor wave
What it is
High Voltage Direct Current transmission moves bulk power over long distances with far lower losses than AC, and allows controlled flow between asynchronous grids. India is building multi-terminal HVDC to evacuate renewable power from Rajasthan, Gujarat and other resource zones to demand centres
Annual transmission charges on a single large HVDC scheme can exceed Rs 2,300 cr
Impact on industries
- The enabling technology for renewable-rich but demand-poor regions - without HVDC, Khavda and Rajasthan capacity cannot reach load centres
- High-value, technically demanding projects that command better returns and narrow competition than conventional AC lines
- Converter station equipment, cables and control systems create a premium order stream for electrical equipment suppliers
- Very high capital cost and long build periods, with converter technology historically dominated by a few global suppliers
- Concentrates system risk - a single corridor carrying gigawatts becomes a critical dependency for grid stability