Because wind and solar potential is frequently highest in rural areas, long-distance transmission lines are often needed to transmit electricity from remote generation resources to load centers. Over long distances, High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission lines have the advantage of minimizing the reliability impacts of connecting remote generation to the bulk electric power system, minimizing energy loss and lower construction cost per mile. This advisory discusses the advantages of HVDC for electric cooperatives, as well as various challenges that are currently affecting its deployment.
