The HVDC Inter-Island link is a 610 km (380 mi) long, 1200 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission system connecting the electricity networks of the North Island and South Island of New Zealand together. It is commonly referred to as the Cook Strait cable in the media and in press releases, although the link is much longer than its Cook Strait section. The link is owned and operated by state-owned transmission company Transpower New Zealand.
HVDC transmission line tower in coastal Marlborough region
HVDC 350 kV submarine cable cross section. Overall diameter 13 cm/5 in.
Sample cross-section of HVDC line conductor
Mercury arc valves in valve hall at Haywards.
High-voltage direct current
A high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system uses direct current (DC) for electric power transmission, in contrast with the more common alternating current (AC) transmission systems.
Long distance HVDC lines carrying hydroelectricity from Canada's Nelson River to this converter station where it is converted to AC for use in southern Manitoba's grid
HVDC in 1971: this 150 kV mercury-arc valve converted AC hydropower voltage for transmission to distant cities from Manitoba Hydro generators.
Pylons of the Baltic Cable HVDC in Sweden
Three-phase high voltage transmission lines use alternating currents to distribute power over long distances between electric generation plants and consumers. The lines in the picture are located in eastern Utah.
