At CERAWeek, Hitachi Energy and Grid United, an independent electrical transmission company, unveiled their partnership to deploy high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for Grid United transmission initiatives linking the eastern and western regional power grids in the US. These projects aim to significantly enhance transmission capacity across the nation, addressing the pressing need for seamless power sharing between energy markets amidst surging electricity demand.
Efficient long-distance transmission lines are pivotal in delivering cost-effective energy from regions with ample supply to areas with heightened demand. By bridging the east-west gap, these initiatives promise to overcome a persistent bottleneck in the US energy transition. Moreover, they align with the US government’s commitment to expediting the energy transition, in line with the priorities outlined by the US Department of Energy.
Innovatively employing a capacity reservation agreement, Hitachi Energy will furnish HVDC technology to support the development of numerous Grid United HVDC interconnections. These interconnections will bolster grid resilience, mitigate the impact of extreme events, and accommodate escalating electricity demand. Additionally, both companies are exploring potential projects to fortify the US electric grid further.
Michael Skelly, CEO, and co-founder of Grid United, emphasized the importance of collaborating with Hitachi Energy, a leader in HVDC technology, to fortify the electric power grid, ensuring enhanced resilience and reliability. By leveraging partnerships with established utilities and innovative technology providers like Hitachi Energy, Grid United aims to expedite the modernization and reinforcement of the US electric grid to meet burgeoning electricity demand.
Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Grid Integration business at Hitachi Energy, expressed pride in partnering with Grid United to enhance the US power grid’s flexibility, reliability, and security. Leveraging an innovative business model, Hitachi Energy anticipates making significant contributions to accelerating the energy transition by streamlining the development process.
This collaborative framework introduced by Hitachi Energy represents a pioneering approach to business models in the US energy sector. It enables Hitachi Energy to proactively plan for increased manufacturing capacity, workforce expansion, and standardization to enhance efficiency across successive projects. Building on similar successful initiatives in Europe, this approach is crucial for securing the supply chain and expediting the energy transition.
The new interconnections are poised to deliver long-term economic benefits to communities nationwide by facilitating energy resource sharing between power grids. By alleviating network congestion, enhancing grid resilience, and fostering flexibility, these initiatives will help mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and bolster energy security.
With a track record of providing HVDC solutions to North American customers since 1970, Hitachi Energy boasts over 20 projects in the US and Canada, either operational or under construction. The company’s commitment to integrating renewable energy, totaling around 10 GW as of today, underscores its dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
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