800 kV HVDC – from R&D to going commercial

This paper presents the current status of the 800 kV HVDC technology and presents how the experience and confidence gained at 800 kV long term test station has been successfully utilised in executing 800 kV HVDC long distance bulk power transmission project which is already in commercial use, well ahead of its scheduled date. As a final step in the R&D activity, a long term test circuit installation was made & energised at 855 kV DC in November 2006 at STRI, Sweden in order to provide final qualification for the newly developed 800 kV products and boosting confidence in 800 kV HVDC technology. Already in December 2009, Open Line Test was successfully made for at 800 kV for Xiangjiaba – Shanghai HVDC transmission line in China. In July 2010, one year ahead of schedule, the project became the first 800 kV 6400 MW HVDC bipole Project to be taken into commercial operation after completion of a rigorous and thorough system test program. At the same time another 800 kV 5000 MW HVDC Project has also been completed in China. At present, a number of other 800 kV HVDC projects are in the execution stage, and at the same time, several other 800 kV HVDC projects are under active planning by several utilities around the world, especially in China, India and Brazil.