High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission: Future expectation for Pakistan

An HVDC transmission system for bulk power transfer over longer distance offers numerous advantages over an alternating current (AC) transmission system, such as direct integration of networks operating at different frequencies, comparatively low line losses on account of constant current and absence of reactance. This paper presents details about HVDC power transmission systems and power converter technologies. Issues concerning integration of electrical power generated by alternate sources (i.e., wind, onshore and offshore) into the national grid of Pakistan using HVDC technology are also discussed. Research studies revealed that the energy crisis of countries like Pakistan can be mitigated to a larger extent with the use of HVDC transmission systems.