Converting Overhead Lines from HVAC to HVDC: an Overview Analysis

Several contributions in technical literature highlight the potential offered by the conversion of an existing HVAC overhead line into a HVDC one. In the context of the world's energy transition from fossil fuel-based to higher and higher renewable energy sources power generation, the HVAC-to-HVDC overhead line conversion is an option that deserves to be considered. In fact, without withdrawing further land resources, it is possible to increase the transmitted power significantly by exploiting the existing corridors. In this paper, an overview of the main issues to be considered when converting a HVAC lines into a HVDC one is presented, by describing technical, economical and environmental features in order to achieve the maximum benefits from this conversion. Moreover, some investigations about ongoing projects and studies around the world are reported.