A grid-modeling firm has proposed an underground high-voltage DC transmission overlay for the continental United States. It might doubtlessly assist to scale back local weather pollution and electrical energy prices, along with facilitating photo voltaic and wind deployment.
From pv magazine USA
Modeling specialist Vibrant Clear Vitality (VCE) has proposed a transmission “overlay” for the contiguous United States, with about 210 underground high-voltage direct present (HVDC) transmission traces, 70 nodes, and underwater traces alongside practically your entire shoreline. HVDC transmission can ship energy over lengthy distances extra effectively than alternating present (AC) transmission.
“That is the system inbuilt our zero2050usa examine,” stated VCE CEO Christopher Clack on LinkedIn, including {that a} report describing the examine will “come quickly.” The examine modeled a net-zero emissions economic system for the contiguous United States, together with an HVDC “macrogrid” constructed by 2025.
Within the least-cost situation, put in photo voltaic capability would exceed 830 GW by 2050, whereas wind capability would exceed 1130 GW, with onshore wind predominating. VCE modeled 10 eventualities utilizing its WIS:dom-P mannequin.
Earlier photo voltaic and wind capability projections from the Nationwide Renewable Vitality Laboratory’s “Interconnection Seams Study” confirmed that HVDC might economically transmit solar energy from sunnier areas to much less sunny areas. Nonetheless, it added that HVDC transmission would not result in more solar general. Somewhat, it might result in extra photo voltaic improvement in sunnier areas however much less photo voltaic improvement in different areas, leaving the entire roughly unchanged.
VCE’s modeled transmission system would value $400 billion if financed over 30 years at a 3% rate of interest. That interprets to a price of $7.50/MWh, which might allow lowered electrical energy prices of $25/MWh. It might save 4.5 gigatons of greenhouse gasoline emissions by 2050. At an 8% rate of interest, it could value $700 billion. Prices have been based mostly on value numbers from “Tier 1” distributors and building corporations prone to do the work, with some “padding” as a result of the numbers “may be slightly optimistic,” Clack stated.
The US Division of Vitality (DoE) is conducting a National Transmission Needs Study, and can launch the draft 2023 examine by yr finish for remark and suggestions. So far, the session draft has been presented to Native American tribes. The DoE has recognized transmission alongside highways and different rights of method as a research and development alternative.
The proposed SOO Inexperienced HVDC Hyperlink transmission challenge will transmit wind energy from Iowa eastward. It has been gaining investors and partners for a 349-mile, 2.1 GW transmission line, largely alongside railroad rights-of-way and completely underground.
