HVDC transmission and the environment

The increased use of electrical systems has led to significant changes in the electromagnetic environment (RFI, TVI, telephone interference, carrier-frequency interference). The extent to which large electrical systems, such as HVDC transmission networks, impinge on the environment has become a topical and even controversial issue. This article takes a look at some of the more important technical considerations as well as the consequences HVDC transmission systems have on human beings and the environment in general. The article also considers briefly what measures can minimise the detrimental effects of HVDC transmission including acoustic noise reduction.