Crossing the divide

Abstract

The Basslink HVDC interconnector consists of a monopolar metallic return scheme, with a rated DC voltage of 400 kV, a rated DC current of 1250 A and a rated continuous power of 500 MW defined at the DC terminal of the rectifier converter station. It is the world's longest submarine HVDC cable project, linking Tasmania with the Australian mainline and providing efficient two-way power transfers. It has a dynamic power transfer capacity up to 626 MW from Tasmania to Victoria to meet Victorian peak load demands. Basslink provides an interconnection between energy-constrained hydro generation in Tasmania and the capacity-constrained predominantly thermal generation in Victoria monopolar metallic return scheme.