Hitachi Energy, AESL commission one of world’s largest HVDC city center infeed

Hitachi Energy and Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. (AESL) have successfully commissioned one of the world’s largest high-voltage direct current (HVDC) city center infeeds in Mumbai, increasing power supply coming from outside the city by 50 percent. The Kudus–Aarey HVDC link enables the injection of up to 1,000 MW of power into the city, supporting demand in a metropolitan region with over 20 million people.

The link is based on voltage source converter (VSC) HVDC technology, which enables precise and rapid control of power flows, improves voltage stability, and enhances grid reliability in dense urban networks. The project includes approximately 50 km of underground HVDC cabling and a compact converter station design suited to space constraints.

The upgrade at the Aarey converter station increases grid capacity from 250 MW to 1,000 MW, representing a major transmission upgrade for Mumbai in nearly 25 years. The infrastructure strengthens the city’s transmission system while enabling higher import of electricity from outside the city.

According to the companies, the HVDC link will support greater integration of renewable energy into Mumbai’s grid, aligned with climate and decarbonisation targets, while improving overall energy security.

The commissioning follows Hitachi Energy’s recent inauguration of a power electronics manufacturing facility in Chennai focused on HVDC and power quality solutions, reflecting continued investment in India’s transmission infrastructure.

Photo (Valves hall at the converter station in Mumbai) credit: Hitachi Energy