16 March 2021

・　India's first electricity link featuring voltage-sourced converter
      technology with hybrid application, DC-XLPE cable and overhead
      transmission line, in commercial operation

・　First hybrid application of DC-XLPE cable and over head transmission line

・　Total system of two links allows electricity exchange of up to
      2,000 megawatts to meet country’s power deficits


The joint venture of Sumitomo Electric and Siemens Energy has completed connecting India’s first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link featuring voltage-sourced converter (VSC) and DC-XLPE cable technology. The 2,000 megawatts (MW) electricity transmission system consisting of two links which consists of DC-XLPE cable and overhead transmission line between Pugalur in the southern state of Tamil Nadu to Trichur in Kerala State in South-West India supports transmission operator Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to counter power deficit in India’s southern region and improve the grid stability. Siemens Energy supplied the two converter stations for the ±320 kilovolt (kV) HVDC system while Sumitomo Electric was responsible for the XLPE HVDC cable system in the DC circuit.

“Thanks to the excellent cooperation between PGCIL, Siemens Energy and Sumitomo Electric, we are now able to proudly commission the first HVDC link in India featuring VSC technology. I am very pleased that the result of this fruitful collaboration will significantly help achieving grid programs like the ‘24x7 power for all’ initiative by India’s Ministry of Power to meet the country’s growing power demand,“ said Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy.


“We are pleased to announce the successful delivery of the first HVDC-XLPE cable project in India. This was achieved through strong support from PGCIL and collaboration between Sumitomo Electric and Siemens Energy at various levels, even during difficult circumstances caused by COVID-19. With the successful completion of this unique hybrid system, consisting of HVDC-XLPE cable and overhead lines, we proved our reliable technology and project execution. I hope this will be a basis for continuous collaboration with PGCIL and a significant contribution to transmission systems in India,” said Masaki Shirayama, Managing Director at Sumitomo Electric.


Sumitomo Electric was responsible for design, engineering, supply installation of HVDC cable system including civil and installation works, and Siemens Energy was responsible for design, engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning of the HVDC stations, including converter valves, transformers, cooling systems as well as control and protection technology, plus a complete transition station. In comparison to conventional HVDC systems, the VSC-based HVDC PLUS technology featured at the Pugalur-Trichur link comes with benefits like additional control features, black start capability, and other functions that will improve the performance and security of the transmission system. The converter stations are linked via a 108km XLPE HVDC cable system comprising four cables (a route of 27km each), which were supplied by Sumitomo Electric, and overhead transmission line (a route of approx. 155km) installed under another contract.


In February Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, officially inaugurated the link that now have been put into commercial operation and enables the exchange of electricity in both directions. 


HVDC links offer operators more ways, boosting stability and increasing the grid’s power quality, efficiency, and security of supply – urgently needed options as the role of renewable energy grows. In India, where 175 gigawatts of renewable energy-based installed capacity by 2022 is targeted, the HVDC link between Pugalur and Trichur will help meet future requirements and facilitate the efficient use of renewable energy. To date Siemens Energy has implemented more than 57 HVDC projects worldwide and is involved in 11 projects that are currently under construction. Sumitomo Electric Industries has installed 9 HVDC cable projects worldwide and works on 2 ongoing projects including one of the first DC525kV XLPE cable project in Germany.