Japan’s J-Power Transmission Network Company Limited has awarded a contract to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation to supply a 300 MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission voltage source converter (VSC) for the Shin-Sakuma frequency converter station in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture.
The project aims to enhance interconnectivity between Eastern and Western Japan by constructing a new 50/60 Hz frequency conversion station on their border. Currently, electricity in Japan is supplied at two different frequencies; principally 50 Hz in Eastern Japan and 60 Hz in Western Japan. Since grids operating at different frequencies cannot be directly connected, frequency converter stations are required to exchange power between the two regions. Mitsubishi Electric’s frequency converter station using VSC HVDC power transmission, incorporating the latest generation of modular multi-level converters (MMCs), includes static synchronous compensator technology. MMCs utilise extremely efficient, high-performance, high-capacity insulated gate bipolar transistors, allowing more compact converter stations. The resulting high reliability and unique control technology were key factors for the contract award. The system is expected to be in service by the end of March 2028 and will contribute to the stability and efficiency of power systems in Japan.