DELIVERABLE 2.2 | MARCH 2023
Introduction of the report
Establishing a Comprehensive Legal Framework for Multi-Vendor, Multi-Terminal HVDC Systems
The deployment of a multi-vendor, multi-terminal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system necessitates a robust legal framework to govern coordination, standards, and intellectual property (IP) protection — all crucial aspects regulated by law. This section delves into the pivotal role of a stable and enabling legal framework as the cornerstone for investments in HVDC technology.
Coordination and Governance
Examining the legal underpinnings of cooperation and governance is essential in navigating the intricate relationships between different actors within the HVDC landscape. This includes an exploration of Governance and Cooperation between Undertakings, particularly in light of competition law.
Standardisation, Patents, and Licenses
A closer look at the legal framework surrounding standardisation, patents, and licenses reveals the interdependence between these components. Industry standards, for instance, often rely on a complex web of licenses and patents, forming a critical part of the regulatory landscape.
Risk and Liability Allocation
Efficient risk management and the equitable allocation of liability among different companies are crucial considerations within the legal framework. Imbalances in risk concentration can significantly impact a company’s willingness to invest in HVDC technology.
EU Network Codes and Adaptation Challenges
Addressing the legal challenges posed by the current state of EU Network Codes, particularly their lack of adaptation to multi-terminal HVDC systems, is a final focal point within the legal framework.
Legislative Status, Gaps, and Proposed Solutions
For each topic within the legal framework, this Deliverable provides a concise overview of the legislative status quo while identifying existing gaps or unanswered questions. Where possible, potential solutions are analyzed, and relevant recommendations are made.
Complexity and Long-Term Nature of Legal/Regulatory Development
It is crucial to recognize that developing a legal/regulatory framework for the cooperation between vendors and project developers in a meshed HVDC system is a complex and long-term process. This section underscores that this Deliverable is not a final result but rather serves as valuable input for policymakers and future research projects.
Preliminary Results and Future Roadmap
This Whitepaper contains the preliminary results of Ready4DC WG2. Following a period of stakeholder interaction and review, a final Whitepaper with the conclusive results of WG2 is slated for publication in October 2023, providing a comprehensive guide for shaping the legal landscape of multi-vendor, multi-terminal HVDC systems.