Equinor and Hitachi Energy to develop high-tech HVDC/AC grid connectors
The energy giants have announced a collaboration to develop standardised base designs for High-Voltage Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC) transmission systems to connect renewable energy sources to mainland power grids.
The base designs will be the initial areas of focus for the collaboration, which will develop the areas of electrification, renewable power generation and low-carbon initiatives worldwide, and will connect offshore wind farms and Equinor production facilities to mainland power grids.
The scope of the agreement – which is aimed at accelerating the energy transition and advancing a more flexible and secure energy system – covers the complete spectrum of Hitachi Energy’s portfolio of power grid technologies and solutions.
Specifically, it includes IdentiQ, Hitachi Energy’s digital twin for HVDC and power quality solutions; Grid-eXpand modular and prefabricated offshore and onshore grid; OceaniQ solutions, such as transformers and high-voltage products; and grid automation solutions to bolster onshore and offshore electrical asset operations.
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“Standardisation of technical solutions will be a key to succeed, and we look forward to improving together with Hitachi Energy,” said Geir Tungesvik, executive vice president for Projects, Drilling and Procurement at Equinor.
“Equinor has a clear strategic direction to develop even closer collaboration with key suppliers vital to realising our projects. We are very pleased to enter into such a relationship with Hitachi Energy, which will shape how we work together for many years to come,” added Mette H. Ottøy, chief procurement officer at Equinor.
According to Equinor, the partnership builds on the two companies’ long collaboration over many decades, which has seen Hitachi Energy provide Equinor with power grid solutions and pioneering technologies on several projects, such as Dogger Bank A, B and C, the world’s largest offshore wind farm on completion, and Troll A, the world’s first HVDC power-from-shore connection.
