Using alternating current, waves which are not synchronised with one another can destructively interfere as their positive and negative components cancel each other out.
But with DC, there is no need to ensure synchronicity at the electrical connectors between grids, as the waves have only positive components.
This could make it easier for countries to link their grids; Pike Research notes that the US is already making connections to Canada and Mexico.
Back-to-back high-voltage DC (HVDC) connections are also being established in Europe, where the technology is used for long-distance power linkages, the analyst says.
Pike Research expects to see a 44 per cent rise in investment into HVDC over the coming five years, taking the market to over $12 billion (£7.5 billion) in expenditure.
