Renewable energy transmission by HVDC across the continent: system challenges and opportunities

Rapid development of renewable energy in China is driving a major shift in the characteristics and control requirements of the electricity grid. Since the best renewable energy resources are far away from load centers in the east and southeast, transmission over long distances is required. Over 20 high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission lines, with a combined capacity exceeding 150 GW, are in operation or are currently under construction. This rapid expansion of new generation and transmission capacities based on power electronics starts to change the characteristics of the grid, especially in areas where they concentrate, creating new stability problems and operational challenges. New system theories and technologies are required to support the development and operation of a future grid that relies more and more on power electronics. This paper highlights the characteristics of power electronics as used in renewable energy generation and HVDC transmission systems, discusses the impacts of these power-electronics-based assets on grid stability and operational requirements, and identifies opportunities for the development of both new system theories and system technologies to support a national energy policy that emphasizes the use of clean energy.