A technological leap that allows low-loss power transfer at hitherto unknown DC levels is to be implemented first in China, where it will help create the world's longest and highest capacity DC transmission line. The energy requirements of the expanding and developing economies of China, India, Africa and South America have presented new challenges for the world's long distance bulk power transfer providers, mainly because the large fuel and hydro resources available in these regions have that are sited far from population centres. Increasing reliable power transfer over a distance, creating minimal environmental impact, reducing the frequency of power cuts, and increasing the efficiency of the existing grid are among these challenges. To meet them grid designers have pushed near to its theoretical limit the capability of current HVDC technology, and several national governments have published plans to utilise this technology at hitherto unknown voltages - 800 kV - a figure now generally acknowledged as belonging in the ultra-high voltage category.
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