Mitsubishi Electric and GE Vernova to Strengthen Cooperation on Power Semiconductors for HVDC Transmission Systems

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GE Vernova, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, to strengthen their cooperation on power semiconductors for high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission systems. The agreement is a result of the “Japan-US focus group to enhance collaboration on energy security and supply chain,” an initiative organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and GE Vernova to promote increased corporate collaboration between the two countries.

The deployment of power generation systems that utilize renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power has been expanding worldwide in support of global decarbonization. Accordingly, demand is increasing for HVDC transmission systems, which transmit large amounts of generated electricity over long distances more stably and efficiently than alternating current (AC) transmission systems. Voltage source converter (VSC) HVDC transmission systems are noteworthy for their capability to stabilize power grids for efficient, long-distance transmission of large volumes of electricity, even when combined with power generation systems that use inherently unstable renewable energy sources. The global market for these systems is growing rapidly. Mitsubishi Electric holds the top global market share^* in power semiconductors for VSC HVDC transmission systems and is advancing the development of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), which provides high reliability, high voltage resistance, and large current capacity. Going forward, Mitsubishi Electric aims to further expand its HVDC transmission systems business by increasing production capacity to meet rapidly expanding market demand.

With the signing of this memorandum, Mitsubishi Electric will provide a stable and continuous supply of IGBT power semiconductors for GE Vernova’s VSC HVDC transmission systems. Through strengthened technical and strategic cooperation with GE Vernova, Mitsubishi Electric aims to leverage the expertise and strengths of both companies to support the evolution of the power grid and meet the growing demand for electricity.

* Mitsubishi Electric’s estimate, as of June 10, 2025, for VSC HVDC transmission system power modules (FY24 actual).