Australia (Commonwealth)_Hitachi Energy has been chosen by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to provide essential high-voltage direct current (HVDC) infrastructure for a significant national project aimed at enhancing the energy link between mainland Australia and Tasmania. This project, considered of strategic importance, will help secure the future of renewable energy in Australia by strengthening the connection between the two states.
The HVDC system will cover approximately 345 kilometers, forming a key transmission route that enables the bidirectional flow of renewable energy between Tasmania and Victoria. This new link will enhance the states’ ability to share excess renewable energy, bolstering energy security and flexibility in the region. Tasmania will be able to import excess solar and wind power generated in Victoria, while preserving its hydro resources for later use. The stored energy can then be supplied back to the mainland when demand is high, positioning Tasmania’s hydropower as a large-scale energy storage solution for the entire nation.
What sets this project apart is its use of cutting-edge converter technology at both ends of the link, a first for Australia. This advanced system will ensure that renewable energy can be integrated more effectively into the power grid, stabilizing energy flow as renewable sources like solar and wind become more prevalent. By using the HVDC system, the project will also enable efficient, long-distance transmission of electricity with minimal loss, making it a crucial component of Australia’s renewable energy future.
Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light® technology will be deployed in the initial stage of the project. This technology uses voltage source converters (VSCs) to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and vice versa, ensuring energy is transmitted efficiently over long distances and delivered back to the grid in a usable form. Once both phases of the project are completed, the Marinus Link will boast a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW). This is enough to power 1.5 million Australian homes, making it a critical asset in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
The Marinus Link project aligns with Australia’s broader efforts to achieve its climate goals, particularly its commitment to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, the project supports Australia’s objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. As the country phases out coal-fueled power plants, the HVDC connection will play a pivotal role in enabling renewable energy to take over, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 140 million tons by 2050. This figure is equivalent to removing approximately one million cars from Australian roads.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Marinus Link is also a significant step in improving the resilience and reliability of Australia’s power grid. The increasing reliance on renewable energy sources requires robust transmission systems that can accommodate the variability of solar and wind power. By linking Tasmania’s hydropower resources with Victoria’s renewable energy surplus, the project will help to ensure a steady supply of electricity across the region, even as demand continues to grow.
The Marinus Link project is a vital piece of Australia’s energy transition, underscoring the need for an extensive upgrade of power infrastructure to meet the nation’s evolving energy demands. By facilitating the integration of renewable energy, it will enable a smoother transition away from fossil fuels and toward a more sustainable energy future.
Hitachi Energy’s involvement in this landmark project highlights the company’s leadership in HVDC technology, a field in which it has been a pioneer for 70 years. With over half of the world’s HVDC projects delivered by Hitachi Energy, the company has amassed the largest installed base of HVDC systems globally. Its proven track record and expertise make it a trusted partner for such a large-scale project, ensuring that the Marinus Link will be a reliable and efficient part of Australia’s energy landscape for decades to come.
As Australia continues to push forward with its renewable energy agenda, the Marinus Link will be a cornerstone of the nation’s strategy to secure affordable, reliable, and clean energy. Through this project, Tasmania will play a pivotal role in supporting Australia’s renewable energy transition, while also contributing to the stability and security of the national grid.
