German transmission system operators, 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and TransnetBW are initiating an innovation partnership with Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy to develop multiterminal hubs with direct current circuit breakers linking the new extra-high voltage direct current connections.
Energy future made in Europe: The technical concept plans to represent an important step on the way to realizing the climate-neutral grid of the future.
The DC switchgear with DC circuit breakers (DC - direct current) is crucial for implementing the DC multiterminal hubs. They enable the efficient utilization and distribution of large amounts of wind power from the North Sea coast by linking direct current lines and transporting the energy wherever required.
This strategy will not only create extra-high voltage direct current power grids to improve the utilization of direct current lines but also support the existing alternating current grid. The space required and the construction of new plants will be reduced, minimizing environmental impact and stabilizing energy costs, due to the innovative linking of the power lines.
The DC circuit breakers allows identification of faults in minimal time and switch off the affected areas in the event of a fault. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility and economic viability of multiterminal technology.
The multiterminal hubs to be built in northern Germany will consist of a converter and a substation in addition to the DC switchgear, where the direct current lines are linked together, in order to supply the region with green energy.
Accoring to Tim Meyerjurgens, COO of TenneT, 70 GW of offshore wind energy is planned in the German North Sea alone, which must not only be brought ashore efficiently, but also distributed throughout the country in the most area- and cost-efficient way possible. Similarly, the further integration of renewable energies is increasing the demands on grid stability and security of supply.
Dr Werner Gotz, CEO of TransnetBW, stated that the innovative interconnection of power lines will minimize the space required and the construction of new plants in the future and keep costs stable for consumers, promoting acceptance of the energy transition.
