A 36 MVA back-to-back HVDC Light was installed at Eagle Pass, Texas by Central Power and Light Company (CPL), a subsidiary of American Electric Power Company (AEP). The project was executed jointly by EPRI, AEP, and ABB.

Eagle Pass load is served by two 138 kV transmission lines and due to load growth the area is prone to voltage instability following transmission contingencies during peak load periods, reducing the reliability of power delivery on the U.S. side of the border. During emergencies, power for the Eagle Pass distribution network can be brought in from Mexico over a 138 kV line to the CFE grid.

An ABB HVDC Light installation was made in the Eagle Pass substation to mitigate possible voltage instability, and at the same time allow power exchange in either direction between the U.S. and Mexico without first having to disrupt service to distribution system customers. The plant was commissioned in September 2000.



The tie provides unprecedented operation capability, controlled bi-directional power transfer and voltage control at the U.S. and Mexico sides. It can be operated either to transfer 36 MW active power, full reactive power support of +36 Mvar (STATCOM functionality) at the two ends of the tie, or a combination of active and reactive power within the range of 36 MVA.

Main data
Commissioning year:	2000
Power rating:	36 MW
No. of circuits:	1
AC voltage:	132 kV (both sides)
DC voltage:	± 15.9 kV
Type of link:	Back-to-back HVDC Light station
Main reason for choosing HVDC Light:	Controlled asyncronous connection for trading. Voltage control.