Siemens and Sumitomo Commission India’s First Hybrid DC-XLPE Cable-Overhead Transmission Line
Siemens and Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., a consortium formed by Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric, Japan has completed India’s first electricity link featuring hybrid application of DC(Direct Current) -XLPE cable and overhead transmission line.
Hybrid HVDC Transmission Line Coverage
Siemens and Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.’s newly installed transmission line enables power exchange between Pugalur, Tamil Nadu and Trichur in Kerala State and supports the transmission operator, Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to counter power deficit in India’s southern region and improve grid stability.
Pugalur-Trichur Hybrid electricity transmission system has 2,000 megawatts (MW) capacity and consists of two converter stations that are connected via two links comprising DC-XLPE cable and overhead transmission line. Siemens Energy supplied the two converter stations for the ±320 KV (HVDC)* system while Sumitomo Electric was responsible for the XLPE HVDC cable system in the DC circuit.
*A high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system (also called a power superhighway or an electrical superhighway) uses direct current (DC) for the bulk transmission of electrical power, in contrast with the more common alternating current (AC) systems.
Expressing his views Mr. Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy “Thanks to the excellent cooperation between PGCIL, Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric, we are now able to proudly commission the first HVDC link in India featuring VSC** technology. The result of this fruitful collaboration will significantly help achieving grid programs like the ‘24×7 power for all’ initiative by India’s Ministry of Power to meet the country’s growing power demand”.
**VSC stands for voltage-sourced converter used for converting HVAC to HVDC.
Pugalur-Trichur Hybrid XLPE Cable-Overhead Transmission Line
Siemens Sumitomo Order Details
Order was awarded to Siemens Sumitomo consortium on 29th May 2017 with total order value amounting to approx. INR 3,700 Crore. Siemens share in this order value was INR 1,682 Crore.
The converter stations are linked via a 108 Km XLPE HVDC cable system comprising four cables, a route of 27 km each which was supplied by Sumitomo Electric, and an overhead transmission line route of approximately 155 km installed under another contract.
Mr. Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director Sumitomo Electric said “We are pleased to announce the successful delivery of the first HVDC-XLPE cable project in India. This was achieved through strong support from PGCIL and collaboration between Sumitomo Electric and Siemens Energy at various levels, even during difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19. I hope this will be a basis for continuous collaboration with PGCIL and a significant contribution to transmission systems in India”.
