Japan OCCTO and Chubu Electric Advance Higashi-Shimizu 50 Hz/60 Hz Frequency Converter Expansion to 3,000 MW
The Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO) and Chubu Electric Power Grid have advanced key equipment delivery and con...
Japan OCCTO and Chubu Electric Advance Higashi-Shimizu 50 Hz/60 Hz Frequency Converter Expansion to 3,000 MW
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.
- Publish date: 2026-09-27
- Category: HVDC & Substations
- Original source: Organization for Cross-regional Coordination of Transmission Operators (OCCTO) & Chubu Electric Power Grid
- Reading time: 5 min
Bridging the Historic 50 Hz / 60 Hz Split in Japan’s Grid
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.
Advanced VSC Converter Transformers and Black-Start Capabilities
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.
Enabling Nationwide Renewable Energy Wheeling
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.
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