Hitachi Energy secures contracts for HVDC converter stations in Germany

Hitachi Energy has won contracts worth over €2bn ($2.08bn) with Amprion, a German transmission system operator, to supply four converter stations for two high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) links, V48 and V49. 

These links are integral to Germany’s clean energy transition, transporting power from the North Sea coast to the Ruhr Region, serving four million people.

Hitachi Energy will provide and install two HVDC Light converter systems, each with a 2GW capacity and operating at 525kV. 

The converter stations are expected to be operational by early 2030. This deal follows a capacity reservation agreement in September 2023, with Hitachi Energy chosen as the preferred supplier for four converter stations.

The HVDC links will feature underground cable connections and will be capable of transmitting 2GW of power, with potential for future expansion to 8GW. The contracts also include a long-term service agreement. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Germany and Sweden.