ABB has installed 320kV HVDC gas insulated switchgear test equipment at DNV GL’s Kema HVDC laboratory at Arnhem in the Netherlands as part of the Promotion project.
Testing of the switchgear will start later this year aiming to demonstrate the technology in real-world conditions.
Using 320kV HVDC gas insulated switchgear could reduce volume required by 90% compared with conventional air insulated technology, Promotion said.
The Promotion – Progress on Meshed HVDC Offshore Transmission Networks – project aims to tackle technical, regulatory, financial and legal challenges to the implementation of offshore meshed HVDC transmission networks.
It comprises 33 members, including major European HVDC equipment manufacturers, TSOs and academia, test labs and consultants.