GE Vernova’s Electrification business announced that it has entered into a research & development contract with four German transmission system operators (TSOs).
The R&D agreement with TenneT TSO GmbH, 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, Amprion GmbH and Transnet BW GmbH for the design and engineering of a multi-terminal/multi-hub high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection solution marks a key initial milestone on the path to a future high voltage grid for Germany and Europe’s energy transition.
525kV DCCB
The R&D contract also includes the conceptualization, design and development of enabling technologies, specifically a new-to-market 525kV Direct Current Circuit Breaker (DCCB) that will allow these and other TSOs to trip and isolate faults in the HVDC system. GE Vernova is currently in the development phase of the DCCB, which, when completed, is planned to become part of GE Vernova’s market offer.
18-month design phase
The initial R&D award covers an 18-month design phase through December 2025. The implementation phase is scheduled to begin in 2026. Commercial deployment is expected by 2029. The project will be led by GE Grid GmbH (Berlin) with engineering to be conducted at GE Vernova’s HVDC facility in Stafford, UK.
Truly transformative
“We believe GE Vernova’s technology will be essential to the efficient integration of renewable energy and the future of the energy transition,” said Johan Bindele, head of Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business. “This truly transformative and groundbreaking innovation could change fundamentally how we deliver electricity.”
Multi-terminal HVDC
HVDC is the most efficient way to transmit bulk power over long distances and is essential to integrating renewable wind and solar energy into the grid. With today’s available HVDC Voltage Sourced Converter (VSC) technology, HVDC systems are point-to-point, bi-directional transmission systems that have one HVDC converter station at each end. By developing a new generation of multi-terminal HVDC technology, GE Vernova, in partnership with the four German TSOs, will create an HVDC system in which multiple terminals can connect with one another. This multi-terminal grid will enable electricity to travel where needed for a highly efficient electron highway.
Also read: GE Vernova And Seatrium Consortium Awarded Third HVDC Contract By TenneT
