wiredInUSA October 2018

Power link

Call to come clean on clean energy

Mirko Düsel

Siemens has commissioned the second block of an HVDC back-to-back link in Bheramara, Bangladesh, part of a new 500MW transmission capacity between India and Bangladesh. The first block of HVDC has been operational since 2013. With block 1 and 2 operating in parallel, the Bheramara HVDC link has attained nearly 1,000MW power transmission capacity and is reported to be the highest reliable power capacity in Bangladesh. Electricity will be supplied to India from Bheramara through a 230V grid connected to India’s 400V grid. Siemens energy management transmission solutions CEO Mirko Düsel said: “The availability of reliable power transmission is crucial for emerging countries like Bangladesh. Therefore, we’re especially pleased to hand over block 2 of the Bheramara HVDC back-to-back link to PGCB. “The HVDC link enables a constant, affordable and reliable power supply for the people and economy in Bangladesh, and helps in consolidating the grid stability of the densely populated state.”

Angus Taylor MP

Friends of the Earth Australia is calling on Angus Taylor, Australia’s energy minister, to support the country’s first offshore wind project, the proposed Star of the South in Victoria. According to Friends of the Earth, the 2GW project requires state and federal planning approval, but is being delayed by the government for “unknown reasons”. Taylor is seen as against wind power. He has spoken at anti-wind rallies, called for the national renewable energy target to be dismissed, opposed emission reduction targets andwas part of an investigation that suggested Victoria should allow fracking. Friends of the Earth Australia is asking the energy minister to provide a status update on the project, to approve the requisite exploration license so that ecological, social and economic assessment can be carried out, and to clarify his position on the role of wind energy technology in Australia’s electricity grid. The organization has launched a petition in support of its request.

39

wiredInUSA - October 2018