German TSOs partner with tech leaders on innovative multiterminal hubs
The DC switchgear is the centrepiece of the multiterminal hub. This is where the direct current lines are directly connected to each other in order to channel energy flexibly and as required. Image courtesy TenneT
Germany’s four TSOs are partnering with Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy to develop multiterminal hubs with direct current circuit breakers for the first time, a concept they believe is unique in Europe, to link the new extra-high voltage direct current connections.
According to the TSOs – including TenneT, TransnetBW, Amprion and 50Hertz – and their partners in a release, the multiterminal hubs will be critical for realising a climate-neutral grid, connecting immense offshore electricity capacity by creating the first large-scale meshed direct current grid.
Stefan Kapferer, managing director of 50Hertz, commented that the partnership signals the development of 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.”
Said 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, 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.”
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Multiterminal hubs
The project partnership aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility and economic viability of multiterminal technology.
According to the partners, DC switchgear with DC circuit breakers is the centrepiece for implementing the DC multiterminal 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.
For the first time, they state, 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.
The partners add that, 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.
Additionally, the partners call the DC circuit breakers as part of the DC switchgear a technical innovation. In the event of a fault, they can identify faults in fractions of a second and switch off the affected areas.
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Commented Dr Werner Götz, CEO of TransnetBW: “Thanks to the innovative meshing of the power lines, we will minimise 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. Without broad acceptance in society, the generational task of the energy transition cannot be shouldered.”
Added Tim Holt, member of the managing board of Siemens Energy: “We are looking forward to working with all German high-voltage grid operators on this project, which is not only technically but also strategically groundbreaking.
“This is a further step towards using our high-voltage direct current transmission technologies flexibly and efficiently. We are thus driving forward the energy transition together with our partners in Germany.”
Said Johan Bindele, head of grid systems integration at GE Vernova‘s Grid Solutions Business:
“Innovation partnerships are key to accelerating the energy transition. We look forward to working with 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW on a new and groundbreaking HVDC solution for the efficient integration of renewable energy into the grid.
“This truly significant innovation could fundamentally change the way we deliver electricity.”
