DC power news, markets and trends

We live in the world that runs on electricity: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The flow of electrons shapes our daily lives, everything we produce and everything we do.


AC and DC each have their place in the world of energy and technology. This page offers videos and articles on the emerging importance of DC power.



What innovative technologies use DC power? Consider HVDC, power electronics, on-board DC power systems, fast chargers for electric cars and even the data centers that power the web. Understand the changing world of DC power with the video above. To stay in touch with the latest developments, peruse the regularly updated articles below.


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  • How much energy does the internet use?

    How much energy does the internet use?

    “No trees were killed in the sending of this message, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.” It’s a funny email signature, but how many inconvenienced electrons does it take to power the internet?

  • Tesla vs Edison

    Tesla vs Edison

    It's not quite mortal combat, but after a century the debate about Alternating Current (AC) vs Direct Current (DC) is heating up again.

  • AC vs DC: why does it matter?

    AC vs DC: why does it matter?

    What’s this thing about AC anyway? A little history lesson might be in order. It all started when built the first incandescent bulb and the power station to light it. A big disadvantage of immediately revealed itself: you couldn’t build the power houses any further than a few blocks from where the electricity was produced.

  • Offshore windfarm construction in pictures (part 2)

    Offshore windfarm construction in pictures (part 2)

    The Borkum II Wind farm produces clean energy for Germany from 130 km our to sea. In order to transmit the 400 MW of wind power produced by the offshore windfarm to the German mainland, ABB layed High Voltage Direct Current HVDC Light cables and installed offshore and onshore converter stations. Read more.

  • The future of fast charging for electric vehicles

    The future of fast charging for electric vehicles

    Car manufacturers at this year’s Geneva Motor Show will continue to demonstrate their commitment to smaller, more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars to an audience whose focus continues to be price and energy efficiency. Read more.

  • Electric vehicle chargers a 'billion dollar business'

    Electric vehicle chargers a 'billion dollar business'

    Chargers for electric cars may become a "billion dollar business" by 2017, said an executive ABB, which is teaming up with governments and companies such as RWE to roll out a network.
    Read more.

  • 12 insanely hot electric and hybrid cars of 2012

    12 insanely hot electric and hybrid cars of 2012

    It’s been said that “The Tesla Roadster is the only sexy electric or hybrid car on the road.” We respectfully disagree. Read more.

  • Offshore windfarm construction in pictures (part 1)

    Offshore windfarm construction in pictures (part 1)

    The Borkum II Wind farm produces clean energy for Germany from 130 km our to sea. In order to transmit the 400 MW of power produced by the offshore windfarm to the German mainland, ABB layed High Voltage Direct Current HVDC Light cables and installed offshore and onshore converter stations. The project involved the massive 3,300 ton topside on wheels (see photo 13), the high-power semiconductors (photo 8) and incredibly powerful undersea cables compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Read more

  • DC Power surging back to sea

    DC Power surging back to sea

    Direct current marine systems save up to 20% fuel and make ships directly compatible with solar and wind energy. Read more

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