HVDC gas-insulated equipment for future bulk power delivery

Abstract

Entering the 21st century, the world's electric power structure will undoubtedly be advanced to one based on the rapidly growing, diversified and co-progressive renewable energy from a coal-dominated one. The development of deep- and far-sea offshore wind power is considered one such vital source for the generation of future energy infrastructure in China's 14 ^th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) for the National Economic and Social Development of China. It is estimated that from 2022 to 2025, the newly installed offshore wind power capacity will be increased to more than 300 GW. The investment cost of the offshore platform can be significantly decreased by adopting small gas-insulated switchgear in conjunction with submarine cable, which is a novel strategy to build large-scale offshore wind power stations in the future. Furthermore, the clean energy transmission from south-eastern Tibet to the Greater Bay Area (±800 kV DC power transmission project) faces harsh natural environmental conditions such as snow-capped mountains and uninhabited areas. The gas-insulated power transmission line provides a superior option instead of the traditional outdoor power transmission lines and cables.