Japan, Hokkaido / Honshu: Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation has received an order from J-POWER Transmission Network Co., Ltd. to design, supply, and install a voltage-sourced converter (VSC) HVDC system for the renewal of Pole 1 of the Hokkaido–Honshu HVDC Link.

This transmission link is a key part of Japan’s power system, connecting the electricity grids of Hokkaido and Honshu. It spans 167 km, including a 43-km submarine section under the Tsugaru Strait, linking the Hakodate Converter Station in Hokkaido with the Kamikita Converter Station in Aomori Prefecture.

Pole 1, first commissioned in 1979, has been in operation for over 45 years and requires full equipment replacement due to ageing. The current interconnection capacity between the two islands is 900 MW, combining existing HVDC links and ongoing expansion projects.

The upgrade will introduce VSC-HVDC technology at both converter stations. Unlike the existing line-commutated converter system used on Pole 2, the VSC system is self-commutating and can maintain stable power transfer even under weak or unstable grid conditions. This will create a hybrid HVDC configuration combining both VSC and LCC technologies.

The new system design for Pole 1 matches the technology being supplied by Toshiba for Pole 2 of the New Hokkaido–Honshu HVDC Link, currently under construction.

Toshiba plans staged equipment delivery starting in fiscal year 2029, with commercial operation expected in fiscal year 2031 after testing and commissioning.

The project continues Toshiba’s long involvement in Japan’s interconnection infrastructure between Hokkaido and Honshu.

Source: HVDC World

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#converter station#HVDC#J-POWER#Japan#power grid#Toshiba#VSC Technology

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