Rihan-Dehli map with converter stations Rihand and Dadri.
Rihand-Delhi HVDC Transmission, India
The first HVDC transmission to Delhi.
Part of the power from the 3000 MW coal-based thermal power Rihand complex in Uttar Pradesh is carried by the Rihand-Delhi HVDC bipolar transmission link, which has a rated capacity of 1500 MW at ±500 kV DC. Some of the power is transmitted via the existing parallel 400 kV AC lines.
The basic aim of the HVDC link is to transmit the Rihand power efficiently to the Northern Region, meeting urgent needs in the area. There were several reasons why choosing HVDC instead of 400 kV AC. The most important ones were better overall economy, halved right-of-way requirements, lower transmission losses and better stability and controllability.
The Rihand-Delhi HVDC transmission is the first commercial long-distance HVDC link in India.
The two converter stations in Rihand and Dadri, outside Delhi, were supplied jointly by ABB and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, a government of India undertaking. The transmission was, which was commissioned in 1990, is owned by Power Grid Corporation of India.
Dadri converter station | 
Valve hall interior |
Station control room, Dadri |
Click for larger image
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| Main data |  |
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| Commissioning year: | 1990 |
| Power rating: | 1 500 MW |
| No. of poles: | 2 |
| AC voltage: | 400 kV (both ends) |
| DC voltage: | ±500 kV |
| Length of overhead DC line: | 814 km |
| Main reason for choosing HVDC: | Long distance, network stability |
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