DELIVERABLE 3.1 | MARCH 2023
Introduction of the report
Interoperability Driving Climate Neutrality: The Role of READY4DC Project
Ensuring Climate Neutrality through Interoperability in Offshore Wind Energy Strategy
The pursuit of climate neutrality presents a formidable challenge for nations worldwide. Many are turning to renewable energy sources, especially offshore wind, to meet these goals. In the European context, achieving climate neutrality involves the strategic use of electricity from renewable sources, with a key focus on interoperable High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.
Interoperable HVDC Systems: A Cornerstone for Offshore Wind Farms
In the offshore wind energy landscape, the necessity for interoperable HVDC systems is paramount. As we envision the future power system, the integration of Multi-Terminal Multi-Vendor (MTMV) HVDC systems emerges as a critical requirement. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders become imperative to address the challenges in planning, commissioning, and operating such systems. The concept of interoperability stands as a linchpin, posing a significant challenge that initiatives like the READY4DC project aim to tackle.
Defining Interoperability: The READY4DC Project’s Contribution
The READY4DC project assumes a pivotal role in defining applicable MTMV-HVDC system definitions. By creating a platform for stakeholders, the project aims to foster consensus on common functional specifications and interoperable models. This endeavor acknowledges that achieving interoperability is not only a technical feat but a collaborative effort among diverse entities.
Whitepaper Objectives: Consolidating Stakeholder Agreements on Interoperability Processes
Multi-vendor Interoperability: Insights from READY4DC Project Work Package 3
The primary objective of this whitepaper is to consolidate agreements among stakeholders on the Multi-vendor Interoperability Process and Demonstration Definition, an outcome of the READY4DC project’s work package 3. Within this context, the whitepaper delves into the current technological landscape and ongoing research, emphasizing the importance of interoperability in the MTMV HVDC system.
Background and Challenges: Lessons Learned and Ongoing R&D Projects
In exploring the background of MTMV HVDC systems, the whitepaper addresses challenges encountered in realizing a groundbreaking full-scale multi-vendor HVDC demonstration project. Insights gained from ongoing research and development projects contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the hurdles faced. References to relevant reports and regulations provide a foundation for further discussions.
Guidelines for Integration: From Candidate Projects to Functional Specifications
Moving forward, the whitepaper presents guidelines for integrating multi-vendor HVDC demonstration projects into the European transmission grid. It proposes selection criteria for new demonstration projects, aligning with stakeholders’ consensus within the READY4DC project. The document also captures experiences from existing interoperability standards and defines a procedure for selecting functional specifications, contributing to the development of standards and regulations.
Securing Commitment: Dialog with Project Owners
Concluding the report, the whitepaper underscores the ongoing dialogue with potential project owners. It represents an agreement among key stakeholders, including Transmission System Operators (TSO), technology manufacturers, offshore generation developers, standardization bodies, academia, research centers, software developers, energy regulators, and policymakers. This collective commitment focuses on planning and developing interoperability processes for the deployment of Multi-Terminal Multi-Vendor HVDC systems with Grid grid-forming capability in the European transmission grid.