Turnstiles to make the DC grid more flexible

16.07.2024

The transmission system operators (TSOs) want to link the new extra-high-voltage direct current lines with each other. Multi-terminal hubs should make this possible.

The four German transmission system operators, 50 Hertz, Amprion, Tennet and Transnet BW, want to realize an important joint project for the energy transition. In an innovation partnership with Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy, multi-terminal hubs with direct current circuit breakers are to be developed for the first time, via which the new extra-high voltage direct current (HVDC) connections can be interconnected.

According to a press release from the companies, the technical concept is unique in Europe and represents an "important step on the way to realizing the climate-neutral grid of the future". The first projects are planned for the onshore connection of offshore wind farms in the north of Germany.

Tim Meyerjürgens, COO of Tennet: "With this partnership, we are joining forces and shaping the infrastructure of the future together. In the German North Sea alone, 70 gigawatts of offshore wind energy are planned, which must not only be brought ashore efficiently, but also distributed throughout the country in a way that saves as much space and costs as possible. At the same time, the further integration of renewable energies is increasing the demands on grid stability and security of supply." New innovative technologies are therefore being used and a large-scale meshed direct current grid is being implemented for the first time. "Together, we are paving the way for the climate-neutral grid."

Stefan Kapferer, Managing Director of 50 Hertz: "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 electricity hubs." This will strengthen the resilience of the entire European grid and increase security of supply, flexibility and stability.

"New and ground-breaking HVDC solution"

Hendrik Neumann, CTO of Amprion: "Innovations are crucial for achieving the ambitious climate targets. As a transmission system operator, we are therefore actively driving technological progress." He called the joint innovation partnership an important building block for a sustainable, affordable and secure energy future in Germany and Europe.

Werner Götz, CEO of Transnet BW: "Thanks to the innovative meshing of the power lines, we will minimize the space required and the construction of new plants in the future and keep costs stable for consumers - and thus promote acceptance of the energy transition." According to Götz, the generational task of the energy transition cannot be shouldered without broad acceptance in society.

Tim Holt, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens Energy, spoke of a strategically groundbreaking project and a further step towards the flexible and efficient use of HVDC technologies. Johan Bindele, Head of Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova's Grid Solutions Business, sees this as a "new and ground-breaking HVDC solution for the efficient integration of renewable energy. This truly significant innovation could fundamentally change the way we deliver electricity." Andreas Schierenbeck, CEO of Hitachi Energy, pointed out that the HVDC technology was developed by his company 70 years ago.

The DC switchgear with its circuit breakers is at the heart of the direct current multi-terminal hubs. They enable the efficient use and distribution of very large amounts of wind power from the North Sea coast because they link direct current lines with each other so that the power can be flexibly transported to where it is needed. This is the first time that extra-high-voltage direct current grids have been created, which can improve line utilization and at the same time support the existing alternating current grid as a backbone for energy transmission.

Thanks to the interconnection of power lines, land requirements and the construction of new facilities can be reduced, which in turn means that environmental impact is minimized and energy costs are stabilized.

Source: Energy & Management Powernews
Author: Günter Drewnitzky