What's Happening?
GE Vernova Inc. has been awarded a contract by Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) to refurbish the Chandrapur back-to-back high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) link. This 1,000-MW interconnection
is crucial for balancing power flows between India's western and southern regions. Originally commissioned in the late 1990s, the link facilitates bi-directional energy transfer between fossil-rich and hydro-rich zones, enhancing dispatch efficiency and conserving energy reserves. The refurbishment will involve upgrading the HVDC control and protection systems and replacing legacy converter valves with advanced technology from GE Vernova's facilities in India. This project marks GE Vernova's first HVDC refurbishment contract in India.
Why It's Important?
The modernization of the HVDC link is significant for India's energy infrastructure, as it supports the country's goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030. By enhancing the reliability and efficiency of this strategic inter-regional corridor, the project will enable cleaner energy flows and improve system reliability. This aligns with India's long-term energy security objectives and contributes to the global energy transition. The refurbishment also represents a cost-effective way for utilities to strengthen infrastructure resilience while preserving prior capital investments.
What's Next?
The refurbishment project is expected to extend the lifespan of the HVDC link, improve energy efficiency, and increase grid flexibility to accommodate growing renewable energy penetration. As India continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, the upgraded HVDC system will play a vital role in facilitating the efficient transmission of large volumes of renewable power across long distances. This project may also set a precedent for future infrastructure modernization efforts in India and other regions.
