Proposed UAE–India HVDC Interconnection
Plans to create a HVDC link between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India are gaining momentum, with the ambitious project hoping to transform regional energy trade and accelerate the integration of renewables across borders. The proposed subsea HVDC interconnector, with an estimated capacity of 2,000–2,500 MW, would enable large-scale transmission of clean energy from the UAE to India, marking a major milestone in transnational grid connectivity.
Project Scope and Technical Highlights
The envisioned HVDC link would span the Arabian Sea, connecting Gujarat in India to the UAE’s shores. The project would require advanced subsea cable technology capable of operating at depths of 3,000–3,500 meters, presenting significant engineering challenges. HVDC receiving substations will be established at both ends to ensure efficient power transfer and grid stability.
This interconnection is part of a broader strategy to develop a multimodal transport and energy corridor between India, the Middle East, and Europe. The initiative aims to enhance energy security, support decarbonization, and promote economic competitiveness through cross-border electricity trade.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The UAE–India HVDC link leverages abundant renewable resources in both regions. The UAE has made major investments in solar energy, while India is targeting 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. By enabling the flow of surplus renewable power to where it is needed most, the interconnector will optimize resource utilization, reduce curtailment, and help balance grid demand across time zones.
The project is anticipated to require an investment of approximately ₹35,000–40,000 crore (roughly $4–5 billion) and could be completed within five years of approval. Once operational, it would set the stage for a new era of cross-border electricity trade, supporting India’s ambition to become a global hub for clean energy exports and strengthening energy ties between Asia and the Middle East.
Industry and Policy Developments
The Indian government, through Power Grid Corporation of India, is actively engaged in discussions with counterparts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to finalize project modalities. Technical feasibility studies are underway, with Power Grid providing supporting data for the project’s next phase. The link is expected to operate under the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) framework, which envisions a globally interconnected renewable energy grid.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) has already demonstrated the viability of regional interconnections by linking the power grids of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. The proposed UAE–India HVDC link represents a logical extension of this model, leveraging proven HVDC and submarine cable technologies for long-distance, high-capacity power transfer.
