The global energy transition is driven by technological innovation and new interconnections between economic systems. While innovative solutions span the electric energy supply chain, network infrastructure plays a critical role in linking energy demand in consumption centers with areas producing the most renewable energy.
Currently, grids enable cross-border energy exchanges through short-term market mechanisms, but as renewable energy increases, more rigorous monitoring will be needed. Offshore wind energy is a key area for growth, with the European Commission projecting between 240 and 450 GW of offshore wind energy by 2050 to limit global temperature rise. Plans include expanding North Sea wind capacity by 300 GW.
However, challenges such as weather conditions and long transmission distances make new transmission lines more complex. HVDC technology, which enables long-distance energy transport via submarine cables, offers a solution with lower environmental impact than AC lines. HVDC switches will be crucial for managing faults in large offshore systems.
The growing scale of offshore wind farms, their increasing turbine capacity, and the distance from shore will also drive higher operating voltages to ensure high power transmission with minimal dissipation. CESI, with its extensive experience in a wide range of technologies, supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of HVDC infrastructure. CESI is playing a key role in the EU’s Promotion project, launched in 2020 to guide the development of next-generation meshed HVDC networks.
KEMA Labs also plays an important role in this effort, having tested three types of HVDC switch technology with voltages ranging from 80 to 350 kV in its high-power lab. Additionally, KEMA Labs in Arnhem (Netherlands) conducted long-term tests on a 320 kV GIS HVDC system. In May 2023, KEMA Labs carried out the first-ever TOV (Transient Over Voltage) test on a 525 kV DC cable system developed by the Prysmian Group, marking a significant milestone for the HVDC cable sector.
These pioneering tests are essential for ensuring the reliability of offshore HVDC networks, which will play an increasingly vital role in achieving the EU’s goal of total decarbonization by 2050.