Energy equipment manufacturing and services company GE Vernova is set to expand its UK-based production facilities.

The manufacturing facilities are used to produce High-Voltage Direct Current or HVDC equipment and technology that can, in turn, support HVDC transmission systems.

Here is what you should know about HVDC technology:

• HVDC electric power transmission involves transmitting electricity with DC current, often over long distances.
• HVDC systems enable the transfer of electricity in greater amounts and over greater distances.
• These systems can also enhance network performance while connecting various grids.
• As renewable energy increases, the use of HVDC technology will likely grow with HVDC systems helping integrate renewables efficiently. *

*Spherical Insights data predicts the HVDC transmission systems market will see a compound annual growth rate of 7.35% from 2023 to 2033.

According to a recent post from GE Vernova’s official website, the company will expand two key sites.

This includes an HVDC facility with HVDC and flexible AC transmission systems at Redhill, Stafford and a transformer facility with HVDC converter transformers at Lichfield Road, Stafford.

Redhill HVDC Facility Expansion

The Redhill HVDC facility is set to see its valve manufacturing capacity increase two-fold. In the context of HVDC technology, these valves are used to convert electricity from AC to DC.

This is because DC is the better current for transmitting over large distances with less energy loss than AC. This is particularly advantageous for international electricity transfers.

Inversion technology is then needed to convert the current back to AC to transmit to homes and buildings via the AC grid. Finally, a converter station is utilised to convert back to DC for domestic or commercial use.

The creation of a new Voltage-Sourced Converter or VSC valve assembly line at the facility will achieve this. The use of such valves in general can support the transmission of renewable energy sources to the grid.

Lichfield Road Transformer Facilitiy

In addition, GE Vernova’s Lichfield Rd transformer facility will see its capacity to manufacture HVDC converter transformers increase while significantly enhancing its boost potential.

The company also stated in their press release that transformers the facility manufactured were installed in the North Sea recently. These transformers will aid the Sofia Offshore wind farm, which has an installed capacity of 1.4 gigawatts.

The expansion of both sites will help play a role in the growth of the HVDC transmission systems market. This all coincides with further government and market ambitions emerging this year aimed at increased renewable energy use in the years ahead.