China had presented its concept of a Global Grid to the UN in 2015. (https://reconasia.csis.org/global-energy-interconnection/ https://reconasia.csis.org/global

China had presented its concept of a Global Grid to the UN in 2015. (https://reconasia.csis.org/global-energy-interconnection/ https://reconasia.csis.org/global-energy-interconnection/). They already have a ~3,200 km line at 1100KV UHVDC (https://www.reuters.com/article/china-power-transmission-idUSL4N244136 https://www.reuters.com/article/china-power-transmission-idU...) Losses are estimated at 1.5% per 1,000km. 3.5% is for 800KV UHVDC. Implies a 23% loss for 15,000 km, which is very efficient. For perspective, ~20,000 km is the half circumference at the equator. Geopolitics should not be a concern for such a global grid. We are already living with a globally interdependent submarine internet cable, in the same geopolitical environment. This transmission line is a natural step for a much faster adoption into a renewable future, than batteries. In battery tech, research investments have to compete on multiple pathways for the development of battery chemistry which are very divergent from each other. UHVDC components and technology require very few fundamental breakthroughs in science and technology, and massive strides have already been made. A good read from ABB on the state and evolution of UHVDC technology here -> https://library.e.abb.com/public/db368ad7692f4c129637d9a7effb502b/Whitepaper_UHVDC%20and%20UHVAC%20developments.pdf https://library.e.abb.com/public/db368ad7692f4c129637d9a7eff.... Do read the last two paras – “Conclusion” and “State of HVDC system and transformer technology”. TLDR: HVAC/UHVAC and HVDC/UHVDC are now almost fully interoperable to feed into each other at all voltage levels. Dielectrics supposedly the most complicated of the technology challenges also appears solved. With global political coordination, it should be easy to commit investments and policy frameworks to rapidly transform the world into a renewable reality.