Hitachi Energy has inked a multi-year agreement with Pattern Energy to bolster its high voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies for the SunZia transmission project, the companies announced on Friday.
The SunZia Wind project, slated to generate 3515MW, will be linked from New Mexico to Arizona and western states, marking a significant stride in renewable energy transmission on a global scale.
“The long-term agreement will provide service solutions for the SunZia Transmission HVDC link, currently under construction, owned by Pattern Energy,” Hitachi Energy said in a statement.
Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light technology is poised to efficiently transfer and integrate substantial wind power volumes over a span of more than 885 km into the regional power grid.
The HVDC link is projected to transmit up to 3000MW of power westward to Arizona, playing a pivotal role in renewable energy distribution.
Notably, the HVDC Light system is anticipated to become the largest voltage source converter (VSC) installation in the United States and one of the largest globally, solidifying its status as one of the nation’s longest HVDC connections.
“We’re proud to be selected once again to provide our unique service expertise to keep the important SunZia link operating at maximum efficiency, performance, and reliability,” said Andreas Berthou, global head of the HVDC business at Hitachi Energy.
Pattern Energy’s VP of Operational Excellence, Paul Haberlein, hailed the SunZia transmission and wind projects as instrumental in expediting the transition to renewable energy.
Service for an HVDC system encompasses a broad spectrum of activities and support, including scheduled maintenance, cyber services, on-site engineering support, and life cycle assessment of the HVDC Light stations, according to the companies.
