Hitachi Energy has secured a €770 million contract to deliver converter stations for the ELMED HVDC Interconnection Project, marking a significant milestone in cross-border energy infrastructure development.
The project represents the first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) electricity interconnection between Europe and North Africa. It is designed to connect the power grids of Italy and Tunisia, enabling the exchange of electricity across the Mediterranean Sea. HVDC technology is considered highly efficient for long-distance and submarine power transmission because it reduces energy losses compared to traditional alternating current (AC) systems.
Under the contract, Hitachi Energy will design and supply advanced converter station technology that forms the core of the HVDC system. These converter stations are responsible for converting electricity between AC and DC, ensuring stable and efficient transmission between two different grid systems. The infrastructure will play a crucial role in maintaining grid reliability and enabling seamless power flow between the regions.
The ELMED interconnection is expected to significantly enhance energy security and support the integration of renewable energy sources on both sides of the Mediterranean. North Africa, with its strong solar energy potential, is seen as a key exporter of clean electricity in the future, while Europe continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The project will help balance supply and demand by allowing surplus renewable energy to be shared across borders.
In addition to improving energy exchange, the project is also expected to strengthen regional cooperation in the energy sector. It aligns with broader European Union goals of energy diversification, decarbonization, and grid modernization. For North African countries, the project offers opportunities for infrastructure development, investment, and increased participation in international energy markets.
The ELMED project is being closely watched as a model for future intercontinental power links. It demonstrates how HVDC technology can enable large-scale renewable integration and support the transition to a low-carbon energy system. As global electricity demand grows and renewable generation expands, such interconnections are expected to play an increasingly important role in stabilizing grids and optimizing energy flows across regions.
Overall, Hitachi Energy’s contract for the ELMED HVDC project highlights the growing importance of advanced grid technologies in enabling international energy cooperation and accelerating the global clean energy transition.
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