Hitachi Energy’s HVDC technology to power Marinus Link, a key step toward Australia’s Net Zero ambitions

  • An Australia-first using advanced HVDC technology to stabilize an increasingly renewable grid.
  • A transmission project of national significance to play a key role in Australia’s energy transition to power 1.5 million homes.
  • Hitachi Energy’s two-way power transmission technology will unlock Tasmania’s world-class wind and hydro storage resources to deliver affordable and reliable clean energy for Australians.

Hitachi Energy has been selected by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project of national significance, which will augment the connection between mainland Australia and Tasmania’s grid.

The approximately 345-kilometer cable route HVDC system will enable the flow of renewable power in both directions between the Victorian and Tasmanian states.

For the first time in Australia, Marinus Link will use advanced converter technology at both ends of the link to stabilize and integrate more and more renewables into the power grid.

The connection will enable the Tasmanian state to import excess supply of solar and wind produced in Victoria, while reserving its hydro and storing the extra energy. Clean hydropower can then feed the mainland grid when it is needed most, acting as a large battery for the nation. Moreover, it strengthens the security of supply in the Australian power grid in which electricity is increasingly generated from sustainable energy.

Hitachi Energy will supply its HVDC Light® voltage source converter (VSC) stations in the first stage of the project, which will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient, long-distance transmission and DC to AC, where the electricity is returned to the grid.

Upon completion of both project stages, Marinus Link will have a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW), equal to the power needed for 1.5 million Australian homes. In line with Australia’s Net Zero ambitions, as coal-fueled generation is retired, this link will result in saving up to 140 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2050, equal to taking approximately 1 million cars off the road.1

Australia has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The lowest-cost pathway for secure and reliable electricity is from renewable energy, connected by efficient transmission systems, supported by storage and pumped hydro.

Marinus Link is a project of national significance that will play a fundamental role in the two states’ energy ecosystem in which power infrastructure requires a major overhaul to satisfy the growing electrical demands and guarantee a constant and reliable power flow through Australia’s transition to renewable energy.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects. Today, the company has the largest installed base of HVDC in the world.

Project Map of HVDC Marinus Link in AU and TA

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves; the MACH digital control platform, converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear; as well as system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy, which was launched over 25 years ago. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

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About Hitachi Energy

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.

https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Marinus Link

Marinus Link is an underground and undersea electricity and data cable that will further connect Tasmania and Victoria. The cable will run 255km undersea from North West Tasmania to Waratah Bay in Victoria, then a further 90km underground to the Latrobe Valley. Converter stations at each end will convert the electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), for use in the states’ grids.

It will allow Tasmania to combine the benefits of solar, wind and hydro, giving Tasmanians the lowest possible power prices and giving new industries the energy confidence to establish in Tasmania. For Australians, Marinus Link will unlock Tasmania’s hydropower resources, providing access to massive amounts of renewable storage capacity, approximately 14 TWh.

At full capacity, Marinus Link will deliver 1500-megawatts (MW) of electricity, equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes.

marinuslink.com.au
linkedin.com/company/marinus-link
facebook.com/MarinusLink

NEW PREMIUM MEMBER – AXFLOW

AxFlow is an application- and service-driven niche company in the fluid handling business. We source market leading fluid handling equipment – such as pumps, mixers, valves, instruments etc. and we add significant value through product selection, system design and construction as well as local service.

We are active in all European markets, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In the Oceania region we operate as a group of companies. In Australia, we deliver national support with representation in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA via:

  • Brown Brothers Engineers Australia (link- https://brownbros.com.au/)
  • Kelair Pumps Australia (link- https://kelairpumps.com.au/)
  • GT Water Technologies (link- https://gwtau.com.au/)
  • Inca Control (link- http://www.incacontrol.com.au/)

Through our European Distribution Center, we’re able to ship stock pumps and other equipment to our customers within 48 hours anywhere in Europe. Likewise, our Oceania facilities are well-equipped with extensive inventory, allowing us to provide timely solutions and unparalleled support to our clients in the region.

THE AXFLOW GROUP – A PART OF AXEL JOHNSON INTERNATIONAL

The AxFlow Group operates in more than 30 countries across Europe, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. AxFlow enjoys the stability that comes with being one of four Business Groups within Axel Johnson International and a part of the Axel Johnson Group. And, equally important, we share the values of this fifth generation company, owned by Antonia Ax:son Johnson and family. The company that continues to be successful in building and developing leading businesses.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Whatever fluid handling technology the process industry needs, we at AxFlow offer it. Our philosophy is simple and successful; pick the best pump for the job from the best manufacturers in the world. We have no need to “push” products that aren’t absolutely right for you – with our broad range of positive displacement- and centrifugal pumps, mixers, analyzers, valves, heat exchangers and other fluid handling equipment from so many manufacturers, we make sure you only get the equipment that is fit for your process.

JOIN US IN WORKING SMART – SUSTAINABLE SMART

Our vision, mission, our promise – fluidity.nonstop and our values FAR SIGHTED, GOOD TO WORK WITH and MAKING THINGS HAPPEN – they all keep us pulling in the same direction. That’s efficient. That’s sustainable. It’s rewarding and it is fun.

For us, sustainability is not just a word. It’s about being here in the future and getting there responsibly. We belong to a strong family business dating back more than 140 years and therefore it is in our DNA to look at the long-term. Together with our owners Axel Johnson International we have a clear strategy on how to drive sustainable operation and a concrete action plan.

  • We work to optimize a resource-efficient, responsible and sustainable operation
  • We ALWAYS target offering our customers the most energy-efficient solutions for their business
  • And we strive to be a good employer and a good citizen wherever we operate, nurturing diversity and promoting social responsibility.

CONTACT

Michael Briggs

Managing Director, AxFlow Oceania

Email: michael.briggs@brownbros.com.au

Web: www.axflow.com

 

David Seaman

General Manager, Brown Brothers Engineers Australia

Email: david.seaman@brownbros.com.au

Web: www.brownbros.com.au

 

Myro Bratkovic

General Manager, Kelair Pumps Australia

Email: myro.bratkovic@kelairpumps.com.au

Web: www.kelairpumps.com.au

NEW CORPORATE MEMBER – ORGANIC RESPONSE

Organic Response, a Fagerhult Group company, was established in 2017 following the acquisition of Organic Response’s revolutionary lighting controls technology. Servicing the Fagerhult Group’s global network of companies, the business combines world-class research and development in IoT solutions, intimate customer knowledge and global reach to deliver the integrated smart lighting solutions of the future, today.

ABOUT THE FAGERHULT GROUP

Fagerhult develops, manufactures and markets innovative and energy-efficient lighting solutions for professional indoor, retail and outdoor environments.

The Group consists of strong brands (e.g. Eagle Lighting Australia, www.eaglelighting.com.au), which have been acquired throughout the years.  Operations within each country are mostly run locally, reaching a variety of customer and market segments giving Fagerhult access to approximately 40 global markets. AB Fagerhult is listed on the Nasdaq Nordic Exchange in Stockholm.

Our solutions add solid insights into the positive impact of light and people’s need in different environments.

The Group includes brands such as Fagerhult, Ateljé Lyktan, Designplan Lighting, I-Valo Lighting, LTS Licht & Leuchten, Whitecroft Lighting, Arlight, LED Linear Light Solutions, Veko, iiGuzzini illuminazione, WE-EF and Eagle Lighting.CONTACT

Olivier Coquerel

Managing Director, Organic Response

Email: olivier.coquerel@organicresponse.com

Swedish-Australian Sustainable Mining Summit in Perth

20 May 2024 – Swedish-Australian Sustainable Mining Summit in Perth organised by Business Sweden’s Sydney office and the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra. The SACC were invited and Michael Dahlgren, Vice President of SACC took part together with SACC Perth WA Chapter Chair Joseph Olsson from Sandvik. 

The Summit explored how Sweden and Australia are shaping the future of the mining industry and the value of collaboration around sustainable, smart, automated and electric mines.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Pontus Melander pointed out that the path to green mining comes through collaboration and that sustainable mining practices are a must in the green transition towards net zero.

The Ambassador was followed by Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Ports and Road Safety; Hon David Michael. He acknowledged the long mining and trade history of both Sweden and Australia. Both countries share a net-zero goal and highlighted the importance of collaboration between democratic like-minded countries.

The meeting continued having a keynote from Sandvik, discussing Digital transformation in Mining, followed by a panel discussion on Smart Mines, Brighter Future: Navigating the shift towards automated and electrified mining. Participating in this panel discussion were senior employees with Sandvik, Epiroc, Rio Tinto, ABB and Goldfields. There were also a couple of start-up pitches, case studies and a final panel discussion on decarbonizing the critical minerals industry and balancing mining strategy for growth and sustainability. In this panel, there were senior people from Fortescue, Pilbara Minerals, Mineral Resources, Idoba and 3ME Technology.

The meeting closed with an exciting presentation from Talga Group (TLG), an ASX listed group that is working on the development of sustainable battery materials, including natural graphite sourced from a mine site in Vittangi (TF’s home village!), which is situated in between Pajala and Kiruna in the north of Sweden. The mine site has Europe’s largest and highest grade natural graphite deposit and the prospects seemed enormous if all goes their way. The meeting concluded with networking drinks. Event sponsors included: Platinum sponsor Sandvik, Gold sponsors Epiroc, ABB and Volvo Group and Bronze sponsor Scania Group. Other collaboration partners were Austmine, CRC TiME & International Mining.

SACC Executive Forum 15 May at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra

The SACC Executive Forum took place on 15 May at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra. HE Pontus Melander Ambassador of Sweden to Australia opened the forum with a warm welcome. Martin Ekberg Country Manager at Business Sweden presented on Australia and Sweden economic relationship. We also heard from Jason Collins CEO European Australian Business Council (EABC) who gave us an indept update on the importance of a Free Trade Agreement. SACC Board Director, Penny George Corporate Affairs Director at AstraZeneca moderated the Q&A and engaging discussion following the presentations. Thank you to all participants, speakers and the Embassy of Sweden for hosting this forum.

Sweden and Abba took centerstage at Eurovision pre-event in Canberra

On May 2 the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra hosted a pre-event at the Hyatt Hotel to highlight the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, later that in May. The gathering attracted about 350 guests from the Australian administration, the private sector, the diplomatic corps, and other Australian Eurovision enthusiasts.

Highlighting the evening was a spirited performance by opera singer Jade McFaul, who charmed attendees with Eurovision classics performed in an operatic style. Videos of this year’s finalists were also shown.

In his opening remarks, the Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Per Linnér underlined that Eurovision serves as a celebration of the core values Europe embodies – the freedom of artistic expression, gender equality and cultural diversity. Originating as a peace initiative, its aim was to unite nations and individuals through the universal languages of music and culture.

The event provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen the image of Sweden in Canberra and to raise awareness about Sweden as a major music export country. This year marks 50 years since the pop band ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton in 1974 with the iconic song “Waterloo”. Abba and Eurovision are both strong brands in Australia.

The success of the event was made possible through collaboration with the Embassies/High Commissions of Cyprus, Czechia, European Union in Australia, Finland, Germany, Israel, Malta, Norway and ESCFAN OGAE Australia.

AI Key Trends and How to Stay Competitive – Event at the Hexagon Sydney office 1 May

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of transformative trends shaping industries worldwide. The integration of AI technologies is no longer a luxury but a fundamental strategy for businesses aiming to secure their competitive edge and thrive. But what exactly are the emerging trends in AI that leaders must be aware of, and why is embracing these innovations critical for success in the digital age?

On 1 May SACC organised an event with focus on AI, key trends and how to stay competitive. We heard from event host Mattias Tidebrink SVP APAC Hexagon Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial who gave us an overview of Hexagon a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies.

Dr Sandra Peter, Director of Sydney Executive Plus and Associate Professor at the University of Sydney presented how AI has moved beyond the hype and is fundamentally transforming how businesses operate and society functions. She talked about how AI is practically applied across different sectors, unlocking new capabilities and raising new questions. “AI is developing and moving very quickly, we don’t have time to build it into our systems. Education, learning, and using AI to assist, create and explore is necessary.”

The SACC Digitalisation Committee was introduced at the event, a new forum where Swedish companies collaborate, share best practices and showcase digital technology capabilities. A discussion and Q&A followed the presentations.

Special thanks to event speakers and Hexagon for hosting!