A clean-energy super grid across Asia is getting closer to reality with cheaper transmission lines
- An industry network estimates it will cost US$77 billion to US$116 billion to build the grid, lower than past estimates
- Lack of government coordination and infrastructure funding has hobbled past efforts to connect renewable energy sources in the region
The evolution in high-voltage, direct current technology and ability to lay cables at depths of up to 3,000 metres – opening up previously inaccessible terrain – has strengthened the prospects for a network that could help shift renewable energy generated in one corner of the region to consumers thousands of miles away.
It’s now becoming more possible “to connect energy grids over much longer distances in an economical manner,” the Asia Green Grid Network said in a report on Wednesday. “Making it a reality will require overcoming a series of challenges, many of which will require breakthroughs in innovation.”
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The network was launched by Sun Cable, the developer of a A$30 billion (US$19 billion/) Australia-to-Singapore solar project, in association with a number of universities in Australia and Singapore to study how to create an integrated regional power grid.
The group calculates that the main transmission lines for a pan-Asia grid could cost between US$77 billion to US$116 billion, far lower than past estimates. However, additional investment would be needed in other major pieces of infrastructure, such as renewable energy, batteries and voltage converters, it added.
The idea of connecting power plants and customers across Asia has been pursued for decades, but stymied by issues including lack of government coordination and infrastructure funding. State Grid Corp of China said in 2016 that such a grid would cost about US$50 trillion by 2050.