Siemens commissions Pugalur-Thrissur HVDC power transmission link
Siemens has commissioned 2,000 megawatts (MW) electricity transmission system, consisting of two links between Pugalur in the state of Tamil Nadu and Thrissur in Kerala. This claims to be the country’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link featuring voltage-sourced converter (VSC) technology. The link supports Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) to counter power deficit in India’s southern region and improve the grid stability.
The (±) 320 kilovolt (kV) HVDC system was realized by Siemens Limited in association with a consortium of Siemens Energy (Germany) and Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., Japan and features for the first-time the integration of High Voltage Direct Current XLPE Cable with overhead lines in India.
On February 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the link that has now been put into commercial operation and enables the exchange of electricity in both directions. Major HVDC equipment such as interface transformers and IGBT-based power converters, and other high & medium voltage AC equipment such as gas insulated switchgear, air insulated switchgear, control & relay panels etc. have been supplied from Siemens Ltd’s factories in India.
Gerd Deusser, Executive Vice President and Head, Energy, Siemens Limited, said, “We take great pride in partnering PGCIL in this landmark HVDC project. It supports the major initiatives of the Government to achieve ’24×7 Power for all’ in the country by ensuring reliable power supply, improving the grid’s stability, and facilitating the efficient use of renewable energy. The project reinforces our purpose of driving the energy transition to more sustainable, reliable, and innovative systems.”
