As part of a NEDO-managed project for the Cabinet Office, “Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) / Next-Generation Power Electronics," Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has conducted the world’s first technology verification of a Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) cell for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission that utilizes a 3.3kV SiC power semiconductor module. It has verified that the converter cell has a significantly lower rate of power loss and is more compact and lighter than previous models. This newly developed technology will contribute to the improvement of efficiency in long-distance and large-capacity transmissions of electricity, such as from offshore wind power systems, as well as to the space-saving for an offshore platform that restricts distribution for large installation space.