The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has recognized the world’s first commercial HVDC transmission link, in Gotland, Sweden, as a breakthrough milestone in electrical engineering.
Over 60 years ago, ABB introduced a new way of transmitting electricity across long distances with minimum losses – High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC). The Gotland link was the first of its kind in the world. This pioneering landmark will now be a part of the prestigious IEEE Milestones hall of fame, which recognizes significant technical achievements in the world of electrical engineering.
Previous IEEE Milestone recognitions include technological innovations such as the invention of the light bulb, the CD player and the birth of the internet. The IEEE, with more than 400,000 members, is the world’s largest association of technical professionals.
“HVDC is a game-changing technology that enjoys pride of place in ABB’s pioneering innovation heritage. We are honored that the landmark Gotland project, the first commercial HVDC link in the world, is receiving this recognition from IEEE and privileged to share this honor with Vattenfall, who first embraced this technology,” said Claudio Facchin, president, ABB Power Grids.
“HVDC technology will play a vital role in shaping an increasingly digital and interconnected power network and is a key element of ABB’s Next Level strategy, as we reinforce our global leadership as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”
Some of the world’s biggest cities, including Los Angeles, São Paulo, Shanghai, and Delhi, rely on HVDC transmission links to deliver large amounts of electricity, often from renewable energy sources located thousands of kilometers away.
HVDC links are also being increasingly deployed as interconnectors between regions and countries enabling the optimum use of renewables, balancing of loads and trading of electricity. The technology is also widely used to integrate electricity from offshore wind farms and feed renewable power into mainland grids.
