US utility company Grid United has partnered with Hitachi Energy to utilise its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for transmission projects in the US.
The projects aim to connect the country’s eastern and western regional power grids.
The collaboration seeks to address increasing electricity demand and facilitate the smooth sharing of power between energy markets.
Hitachi Energy stated that the collaboration will address one of the most challenging barriers in the US energy transition by linking the eastern and western power grids.
Hitachi Energy will deliver HVDC technology to facilitate the establishment of several Grid United HVDC interconnections under a capacity reservation agreement.
The multi-contract framework, introduced by Hitachi Energy, is one of the initial innovative business models for the US.
Hitachi Energy is preparing for future growth in manufacturing capacity, hiring and training more personnel and maximising standardisation to boost productivity.
These interconnections will lessen the effects of extreme weather events and meet increasing electricity needs.
Network congestion is decreased and grid resilience and flexibility raised by connecting the grids.
Both companies are considering further projects to reinforce the US electric grid’s resilience.
Grid United CEO and co-founder Michael Skelly stated: “With industry-leading HVDC technology and a global track record, Hitachi Energy is a needed collaborator for the development of a more resilient and reliable electric power grid.
“By working with companies like Hitachi Energy and partnering with incumbent utilities, we are confident we can quicken the pace of modernising and strengthening the US electric grid to meet rapidly increasing electricity demand.”
In June 2023, Hitachi Energy secured a contract from Electricity Interconnection France-Spain to build the Biscay Gulf interconnection, a subsea electricity interconnector between those two countries.
