German transmission system operators 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW have formed a partnership with Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy to develop multi-terminal hubs with direct current circuit breakers.
The hubs are being developed in order to link the new extra-high voltage direct current connections.
The DC switchgear with DC circuit breakers (DC – direct current) is the centrepiece for implementing the so-called DC multi-terminal hubs.
They enable the efficient utilisation and distribution of very large amounts of wind power from the North Sea coast by linking direct current lines and flexibly transporting the energy to where it is needed, the partners said.
For the first time, this will create extra-high voltage direct current power grids that will improve the utilisation of direct current lines and at the same time support the existing alternating current grid as the backbone of energy transmission, they added.
Thanks to the innovative linking of the power lines, the space required and the construction of new plants will be reduced, minimising environmental impact and stabilising energy costs, according to the partners.
The technical concept is unique in Europe and can represent an important step on the way to realising the climate-neutral grid of the future, they added.
TenneT chief operating officer Tim Meyerjürgens said: “With this partnership, we are joining forces and shaping the infrastructure of the future together.
“In the German North Sea alone, 70GW of offshore wind energy are planned, which must not only be brought ashore efficiently, but also distributed throughout the country in the most area- and cost-efficient way possible.
“At the same time, the further integration of renewable energies is increasing the demands on grid stability and security of supply.
“We are therefore focusing on new innovative technologies and are realising a large-scale meshed direct current grid for the first time. Together, we are paving the way for the climate-neutral grid.”
50Hertz managing director Stefan Kapferer added: “The key to climate neutrality is the electrification of our society with electricity from renewable energies.
“As part of the innovation partnership that has now been concluded, the four German transmission system operators have joined forces with the leading technology companies in the sector to develop a common European standard for smart power hubs.
“This should enable us to connect the large direct current lines with each other in the future and create a direct current grid instead of straight point-to-point connections.
“This will strengthen the resilience of the entire European grid and increase security of supply, flexibility and stability.”