{
  "language": "en",
  "interfaceLanguage": "ar",
  "url": "https://voltformer.com/ar/news/japan-occto-chubu-advance-higashi-shimizu-vsc-hvdc-frequency-converter-expansion",
  "slug": "japan-occto-chubu-advance-higashi-shimizu-vsc-hvdc-frequency-converter-expansion",
  "category": "transmission-substations",
  "publishDate": "2026-09-27",
  "sourceName": "Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO) & Chubu Electric Power Grid",
  "sourceUrl": "https://www.occto.or.jp/en/news/press-releases/2026-09-higashi-shimizu-converter-expansion.html",
  "readingTimeMinutes": 5,
  "tags": [
    "Japan",
    "Frequency Converter",
    "Higashi-Shimizu",
    "50Hz 60Hz Interconnection",
    "VSC HVDC",
    "OCCTO",
    "Chubu Electric",
    "TEPCO"
  ],
  "content": {
    "title": "Japan OCCTO and Chubu Electric Advance Higashi-Shimizu 50 Hz/60 Hz Frequency Converter Expansion to 3,000 MW",
    "summary": "The Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO) and Chubu Electric Power Grid have advanced key equipment delivery and converter transformer installation at the Higashi-Shimizu Frequency Converter Station, expanding interchange capacity between Eastern Japan (50 Hz) and Western Japan (60 Hz) to 3,000 MW.",
    "sections": [
      {
        "heading": "Bridging the Historic 50 Hz / 60 Hz Split in Japan’s Grid",
        "paragraphs": [
          "Japan’s national power grid remains historically split between a 50 Hz synchronous zone in Eastern Japan (served by TEPCO and Tohoku Electric) and a 60 Hz synchronous zone in Western Japan (served by Chubu, Kansai, and Kyushu). This geographical divide severely limits mutual emergency power assistance during natural disasters and nuclear/thermal outages.",
          "Under OCCTO’s strategic national master plan, the Higashi-Shimizu station is undergoing a massive capacity multiplication, adding two new 300 MW Voltage Source Converter (VSC-HVDC) back-to-back blocks alongside existing facilities."
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Advanced VSC Converter Transformers and Black-Start Capabilities",
        "paragraphs": [
          "The expansion integrates state-of-the-art converter transformers manufactured by domestic heavy electric OEMs, designed with low acoustic signatures and specialized high-voltage damping circuits to absorb high-frequency harmonic stresses generated by fast-switching IGBT valves.",
          "Unlike older line-commutated facilities, the new VSC blocks possess full black-start capability, enabling either frequency grid to restart neighboring isolated islands or blackout-affected metropolitan centers following catastrophic earthquakes or tsunami events."
        ]
      },
      {
        "heading": "Enabling Nationwide Renewable Energy Wheeling",
        "paragraphs": [
          "The expanded intertie is scheduled for full commercial energization in early FY2027, unlocking cross-island wheeling of abundant solar generation from Western Japan to Tokyo, while channeling northern offshore wind energy southward.",
          "The project serves as a cornerstone of Japan’s energy transition, reducing fossil-fuel peaking reliance and significantly elevating grid resilience."
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "companies": []
}