Converting existing transmission corridors to HVDC is an overlooked option for increasing transmission capacity

Significance A sustainable electricity grid will likely need to move large amounts of low-carbon bulk power as part of a strategy to reduce emissions. That will require expansion of transmission capacity, and changes in the topology of the system, even as the use of distributed generation increases. In many cases, maximizing the capacity of existing transmission corridors may best be done by conversion to high-voltage direct current (HVDC). While typically not included in planning tools, such conversion is surprisingly cost-effective, even over relatively short distances, and, in some cases, may be the only way to achieve dramatic increases in the capacity of existing corridors. Conversion may become even more attractive as new solid-state power electronics become available.