Researched
High-Voltage DC Transmission (HVDC)
Direct-current links like the Swedish Gotland cable (1954) move large amounts of power over very long distances with small losses.
Open in the interactive tree →ASEA's 20 MW link to the island of Gotland used mercury-arc valves, later replaced by thyristors and other semiconductor valves. High-voltage DC lines are the main way to bring remote hydro, wind and solar power to cities.
Prerequisites
- AC Power & Large Power Plants1895
- Transistor1947
- Power Electronics (Thyristor to IGBT)1957-1983Thyristor and IGBT valves replaced mercury-arc valves in modern HVDC converters.
Unlocks
- Stable 100% Renewable GridopenHVDC lines carry remote wind, solar and hydro power to demand
- All-Renewable Energy Supply2050s?Long-distance HVDC links connect renewable regions to load centres