Affordable and sustainable primary equipment for Future-Ready multi-terminal HVDC Systems

Expected Outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

• The expansion of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) infrastructure across Europe is facilitated and supports the EU's energy transition through more performant, sustainable and affordable HVDC equipment that ensure higher grid reliability and stability.
• Enhanced affordability and interoperability of HVDC grid equipment.
• Enhanced reliability and stability of HVDC Grid, through developing advanced protection and control equipment.
• Enhanced environmental sustainability of HVDC equipment, by reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing their sustainability, e.g. through the development of SF6-free alternatives.

Scope

As Europe progresses towards sustainable energy, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are vital for the efficient transmission of renewable energy. To optimize these systems, challenges like component size, reliability, affordability, interoperability, supply chain resilience and life-cycle environmental impact of critical HVDC equipment must be addressed.

To ensure the developed equipment is fit for use and interoperable, the consortium must include at least two equipment or system manufacturers, at least two transmission system operator (TSO) and at least two research centres.

The range of expected EU contributions specified in the table above is broad, because the types of equipment within the scope of the topic have by nature very different costs; therefore, the project costs and the expected EU contribution must be justified according to the scope of the project.

Projects must address all the following items:

• Investigate and develop primary equipment suitable for multi-terminal HVDC grids, that are small size, lightweight, environment-friendly (e.g. SF6 free, lead free), affordable and reliable, such as mechanical or hybrid (mechanical and solid-state) circuit breakers, fault current limiters, superconducting or conventional cables, conversion of high voltage alternating current (HVAC) overhead lines to HVDC ...
• Equipment affordability and interoperability are expected to be sought pragmatically, for example through modularisation, standardisation, focus on key functionalities and performances, size reduction, use of new components or new materials, …
• Conduct a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of the system integration of these technologies into multi-terminal HVDC systems.
• Test, validate performances in representative conditions, in relevant or operational environment".
• Contribute to standardisation bodies.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-7 by the end of the project - see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.