The necessary technologies for a meshed HVDC offshore wind transmission network are ready for use, but political will and more European cooperation are needed to develop the regulatory and technical frameworks necessary to implement them, according to the conclusions of a four-year EU-backed project.
The Horizon2020 project ‘Progress on Meshed HVDC Offshore Transmission Networks’ (PROMOTioN) presented its research results at a final online conference today.
It found that as a first step, real full-scale cross-border pilot projects at sea should be launched to gain practical experience and demonstrate the real-life benefits of multi-terminal grid development.
“Such a development would accelerate the much needed uniform DC grid code and specify system operation guidelines, agreement on high level technical system characteristics, such as operational configurations, voltage levels, system earthing, and converter configurations,” the project concluded.
In parallel, work on developing a uniform grid code and operation guidelines should be initiated.
“Coordinated, multi-purpose, interconnected HVDC transmission infrastructure is the most socio-economically optimal way to integrate offshore wind energy into the existing transmission infrastructure,” the project concluded.
Joint European offshore wind and transmission projects can thus be an “essential component of the Green Recovery plan”, it added.
The project results show that hardware based technologies, such as HVDC circuit breakers and gas insulated substations, are ready for use and can be manufactured industrially immediately.
Software-based technologies, such as HVDC system control and protection, have been proven to work and to be interoperable, and are considered ready for a real world pilot
PROMOTioN said further research is outlined to improve performance and whole system integration.
But clear support and affirmation from politicians regarding the regulation and market models of the meshed grid and more cooperation at a European political level, as well as at the level of network operators is “absolutely necessary”.
The UK and Norway ideally should also be included in the development of joint offshore wind transmission grids in the North Sea and Irish Sea.
German Ministry of Economy and Energy State Secretary Andreas Feicht said: “The PROMOTioN-project played an important role in providing input on how offshore wind and the necessary grids and market rules have to be established in Europe.
“We invited PROMOTioN researchers to contribute to the discussions in the North Seas Energy Cooperation under German Presidency, earlier this year.
“The results of the PROMOTioN project are therefore very timely: the project partners’ work on developing a common vision for a North Sea offshore grid, the necessary technical standards, and the regulatory and economic framework provides valuable input for our political discussions in the North Seas Energy Cooperation and in the European Council, as well as domestically.”
European Commission Director of the Internal Energy Market Catharina Sikow-Magny said: “Offshore Renewable Energy is at the core of the transformation of the energy sector and of reaching the European climate goals.
“Offshore wind is likely to impact the decarbonisation of the wider economy through increased electrification of other sectors as well, such as heating and transport.
“Europe needs strong coordination and cooperation on planning processes beyond national borders to be able to tap into the potential of offshore renewable energy.
“The comprehensive work by PROMOTioN on offshore meshed grids provides valuable input to the Commission’s work.”