A combined direct current DC power transmission and heating system is provided. The system includes a rectifier station configured to generate a DC link current. The system also includes a downstream converter station positioned remotely from the rectifier station. The downstream converter station is configured to generate power supplied to an electrical load using at least a portion of the DC link current. The system also includes a return conductor electrically coupled to the rectifier station and the downstream converter station. The return conductor is configured to transmit a return current from the downstream converter station to the rectifier station. The return conductor is also configured to generate heat from resistive losses induced by the return current; and conduct the heat generated by the return current to a fluid being transported from a proximity of the downstream converter station to a proximity of the rectifier station.