DNV has completed the first phase of its High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Standards joint industry project, which aims to address gaps in standards crucial for the successful deployment of HVDC transmission systems in the USA.
As electricity demand is expected to rise with the growth of data centres, electrification of transport and buildings, and increased renewable energy generation, the U.S. grid requires significant expansion and modernisation. HVDC transmission is a key technology for enhancing grid capacity, reliability, and resilience, but current standards are insufficient.
A survey conducted in the initial stage of the project identified four key areas where standards are lacking: Performance/Grid Code, Manuals for regional transmission organisations (RTO) and independent system operators (ISO), Utility Interconnection Manuals, and Offshore Design Requirements. While some functionalities are partially addressed in existing U.S. Grid Code, significant gaps remain, particularly in areas such as control modes, islanded operation, and adaptive control.
Over the next three years, DNV and its project partners, which include Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind, EDF Renewables, Equinor, Invenergy, National Grid Ventures, Ocean Winds, PPL TransLink WindGrid, RWE, Shell and TotalEnergies, will focus on addressing these gaps. The project will proceed in three phases, beginning with a detailed analysis of HVDC standards and prioritisation of the gaps identified. Subsequent phases will involve establishing and implementing plans to update standards, potentially leading to new regulatory initiatives.
