wiredinUSA January2014

INDEX

Grid-tie for Hawaii

HVDC report Growth in electricity demand is only one factor in the growth of HVDC transmission. HVDC allows the interconnection of regional systems operating asynchronously, avoiding many instability issues that could cause outages in AC transmission. WhileACtransmission still dominates the transmission industry, doubts concerning the limited capability of classic HVDC transmission have been removed by the development of voltage-source converters (VSCs). A new report from Navigant Research forecasts a growth in demand for HVDC technology. The market is growing steadily, and following discussions with vendors and project developers, Navigant Research forecasts that global cumulative HVDC converter revenue will amount to $56.6 billion between 2013 and 2020. This report offers an analysis of HVDCmarket issues, including trends, drivers, challenges, opportunities, and regulatory factors. An inventory of HVDC lines in construction or planned is used as a basis for the global capacity and revenue forecasts, which are segmented by converter type and region and extend through 2020. The report also examines key issues such as how HVDC transmission systems perform in comparison to HVAC equivalents; what is the average HVDC transmission capacity at various voltage levels for announced projects; how much do voltage- and current-source converters and cables cost; and what is the potential converter market worldwide. The report is addressed to government agencies and regulators, the investor community, manufacturers and channel partners of transmission equipment, HVDC converter and cable equipment suppliers, renewable energy companies and equipment and service providers.

The head of Hawaii’s state energy office believes that a proposed undersea power grid connection between the islands of Oahu and Maui could result in savings for ratepayers. “It’s up to the HPUC (Hawaii Public Utilities Commission) to make sure that savings are passed on to ratepayers,” said Mark Glick. The grid tie is considered essential for Hawaii to pursue its renewable energy goal. Glick also said that the inter-island link will be an important initial step toward the ultimate goal of utilizing geothermal energy from Hawaii Island, which would involve connecting the island to Maui. “We see renewable energy as a driving force in the state’s economy,” he said. “It’s the third leg of our economy [and] our goal is to deploy clean energy infrastructure to stimulate energy transformation that will lead to growth.” In 2008 the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative set goals for the state to derive 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 — 40 percent from locally generated sources and 30 percent from energy conservation. Glick says that, unofficially, the state is currently beyond 15 percent renewable and 15 percent in efficiency and will be in excess of its 2015 goals.

wiredInUSA - January 2014

wiredInUSA - January 2014 wire In - Ja ary 2014

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