Summary
This paper presents a critical review and current status of ±525 kV, 2 GW VSC HVDC offshore interconnection projects in the Netherlands and Germany. These schemes connect large offshore wind farms to onshore AC grids and are standardised for scalable and cost-effective deployment.
Read more Read lessEarlier publications have introduced the overall concept and key technical features [1], such as the bipole with metallic return configuration, multi-terminal DC (MTDC) readiness, compact
MMC valves, digital IEC 61850-compliant control and protection, and standardised offshore and onshore layouts. Building on that work, this paper reviews how the design has evolved from concept to detailed engineering and early execution.
The focus is on design decisions that have substantially affected platform design, maintainability, safety, schedule risk and future extensibility. Topics include optimisation of
AC gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and harmonic damping strategy; the influence of onshore
AC cable connections on HVDC system design and performance; the practicality of MTDC readiness; and advocacy for functional, performance-based requirements, to foster innovation and collaboration.
By comparing the present design with the initial concept, the paper highlights where assumptions had to be revisited, where standardisation has delivered tangible benefits, and how a standardised technical core with configurable interfaces has been implemented across multiple Dutch and German projects.
Additional informations
| Publication type | Session Materials |
|---|---|
| Reference | B4_10310_2026 |
| Publication year | |
| Publisher | CIGRE |
| Country | Netherlands, The |
| Study committees | |
| File size | 500 KB |
| Price for non member | 30 € |
| Price for member | 30 € |
Authors
KABUL Sertkan - GE Vernova; KUMAR Amit - GE Vernova; KOX Ben - TenneT TSO; DYKE Kevin - GE Vernova; HOUSTEN Brian - GE Vernova; WINZENBURG Rainer - TenneT TSO
Keywords
KEYWORDS Bipole, Power Electronics Module, Offshore Interconnections, VSC HVDC, Wind Farms, MTDC, Harmonics, Transient Recovery Voltage
