A recent agreement between private companies in India and Saudi Arabia has sparked excitement about the potential for a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) undersea power link between the two countries. The HVDC transmission line would enable the exchange of power in both directions, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration and advancement of their economies.
HVDC transmission lines are seen as a key solution for overcoming one of the biggest challenges facing solar energy: intermittency. Unlike traditional fuel pipelines, HVDC lines transmit power in real-time, allowing for the efficient sharing of renewable energy between regions. In the case of India and Saudi Arabia, the time difference of 2.5 time zones would facilitate the utilization of solar power from each country during the respective peak sunlight hours.
Furthermore, the potential extension of the HVDC line westward to Morocco and eastward to Australia would enable power transmission over a span of 10 hours. This would address the issue of varying sunlight levels in high latitudes, where the winter months experience reduced solar exposure. By harnessing solar energy from regions with ample sunlight, HVDC lines can provide electricity to areas with limited solar resources.
While the establishment of the India-Saudi Arabia HVDC undersea power link holds immense potential, it is important to consider the associated risks. HVDC transmission lines, like oil and gas pipelines, could be susceptible to damage during times of conflict or sabotage. However, the collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia represents a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which are highly vulnerable to disruptions during wartime.
This move by Saudi Arabia, a country historically reliant on fossil fuels, demonstrates an acknowledgment of the changing global energy landscape. As renewable energy costs decrease and the negative environmental impacts of fossil fuels become more apparent, countries like Saudi Arabia and India are recognizing the need for a transition to cleaner energy sources. This agreement sets a precedent for future collaborations and underscores the growing importance of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Sources:
– [CleanTechnica](https://cleantechnica.com/2023/09/14/from-india-to-saudi-arabia-developing-an-undersea-power-link/)
– [Twitter](https://twitter.com/abledoc/status/1437933493836217344)