While HVDC isn’t new, it hasn’t taken off in the U.S. like it has in other countries. The addition of wind, solar, battery storage and other inverter-based resources, could make HVDC a more viable option for long distance electricity delivery. In this session, three presenters will discuss some of the latest technologies being used to improve HVDC’s viability. Specific solutions discussed include synchronous condenser systems. In addition, findings from a concept development study (CDS) for the Power from the Prairie (PftP) project, a proposed a 4,000 MW interregional HVDC line, will also be presented. The PftP would span from the wind fields of Wyoming to the wind fields of Iowa, crossing either South Dakota or Nebraska. It would cross the seam between the Western and Eastern Interconnections. The CDS report, issued in March 2023, provides initial information to help potential participants decide whether they want to join the PftP project.

Key Takeaways:

• Introduction to the Power from the Prairie Project and its Concept Development Study (CDS)
• Benefits and applications of synchronous condensers
• Basic design criteria for synchronous condensers
• Hazards of synchronous condensers when retired components (i.e., rotating machines) are used on the system