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> HVDC is desirable because it allows non-synchronous connection of different synchronized grids.

Primarily it's simply more efficient over long distances than AC.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-voltage_direct_current#Ad...

But not in this case - It's only a 385 mile line. If it was between two synchronous grids, it would most certainly be AC for cost/tco reasons.

Supposedly the HVDC vs HVAC break-even distance is down to something like 600-800km now[1]. Since 385 miles works out to 620km the economics are probably not all that bad. Since it is just a link between two systems, only 2 converter stations (the expensive bit for HVDC) would be required.

[1] https://www.cencepower.com/blog-posts/hvdc-transmission-syst...

Yeah, I forgot about the higher efficiency factor.

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