Technical feasibility of Japan-Taiwan-Philippines HVdc interconnector to the Asia Pacific Super Grid

High voltage direct current (HVdc) interconnector is an essential component for large-scale high voltage infrastructure expansion, duplication, and integration of existing power grids. High-voltage alternating current (HVac) grids are increasingly facing hybridization with HVdc, due to the augmented penetration of renewable power sources, and the technological maturation of Offshore Power Systems (OffPS). The authors investigate a submarine interconnector route, poorly explored by the literature, linking Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This proposed offshore HVdc interconnector would support power trading between Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia. The proposal circumvents some contested territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas. The outcome of this research investigation is a Super-Grid topology that unveils some basic requirements of technical feasibility and reveals enhanced technical and environmentally-friend performance as compared to existing isolated national power grids of the affected countries. The proposed interconnector route lays down in seabed depth not exceeding 3 km. It aims at transmitting tens of gigawatts, clearing the path for a more sustainable and renewable-energy society in Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. This HVdc interconnector is still in the initial stage of feasibility studies, and it inspires further research on a possible and future Asia Pacific Super Grid. •High voltage submarine cable may interconnect Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.•The proposed route circumvents geopolitical disputes in the South and East China Seas.•Bathymetric survey shows water depths feasible for submarine power cable installation.•Super grids eliminate congestion constraints to the expansion of the renewables.•VSC-HVdc smooths the variability of renewables by supporting bidirectional power flow.