Hitachi Energy to support transfer of hydroelectricity between Montreal and New York

Hitachi Energy has announced that it has been selected by Hydro-Québec for its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for the transmission of electricity, which will ensure the sustainability of the energy exchange between the Quebec network, in eastern Canada, and New York State in the northeastern U.S.

The Châteauguay HVDC system will enable the transmission of up to 1,500 MW of electricity between the electrical networks of Quebec and the state of New York which will contribute to maintaining a low carbon footprint in the region.

This new system will replace existing equipment which has been in operation since 1984, increasing the efficiency and controllability, plus raising the power conversion capacity of the Châteauguay HVDC system by 50 percent.

Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH).

Hitachi Energy is supplying a “back-to-back” converter station, which converts AC power to DC then reconverts it to AC from DC enabling the interconnection of the 735 kV Canadian and 765 kV New York grids which are “out of phase” and cannot be connected directly via traditional AC systems.

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines expertise in HVDC converter valves; the MACH digital control platform, which enables renewables integration and manages voltage and frequency disturbances in the grid; converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear; as well as system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.