SSEN Transmission has demonstrated a world-first innovation that enables High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems from different manufacturers to operate together on the same grid network.
The Aquila Lite project allows multi-vendor interoperability, removing the need for alternating current conversion when transferring electricity between systems.
SSEN said the achievement marks a new era for HVDC operability and paves the way for more flexible and resilient clean energy networks.
Supported through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, the project has demonstrated that controls and main circuits from different HVDC vendors can operate in harmony.
The breakthrough has the potential to cut costs and reduce risk in future offshore HVDC grid projects by ending reliance on a single supplier, the company said.
SSEN said the innovation could also improve network reliability and speed up the delivery of the UK’s energy transition.
The work has resulted in the development and patenting of a multi-terminal, multi-vendor HVDC control system by The National HVDC Centre, which SSEN operates in partnership with other transmission operators and the National Energy System Operator.
The Aquila Lite interface was successfully tested with equipment from GE Vernova and Mitsubishi and demonstrated at the recent IET ACDC International Conference.
SSEN innovation delivery project manager Nithiananthan Vejayan said: “We’re delighted to have achieved this historic milestone in our Aquila Lite innovation project, which has demonstrated how different vendor devices can harmoniously connect to a DC network and operate collectively.”
“The achievement of multi-vendor interoperability in HVDC technology signals a new era in sustainable energy innovation and underscores SSEN Transmission’s commitment to driving transformative change in the electricity sector.”
Further demonstrations with Siemens Energy and Hitachi Energy are planned.
Ben Marshall, HVDC technology manager at The National HVDC Centre, said: “The results of our demonstration have instilled industry confidence that interoperability is not just theoretical but practical.
“By patenting our process, we have removed any barriers to implementing this approach, setting the stage for future deployments with multiple Transmission System Operator projects in the early 2030s.”
Pictured L-R: Nithiananthan Vejayan (SSENT Innovation team lead), Dumisani Simfukwe (SSENT HVDC engineering lead), Fainan Hassan (GE Vernova), Carl Barker (GE Vernova) Ben Marshall (National HVDC Centre), Yamato Kentaro (Mitsubishi Electric), Yohei Okada (Mitsubishi Electric, Steve Langdon (Mitsubishi Electric)