About the project
The principal objective is to study viability of different configurations of HVDC and hybrid DC/AC energy islands including their physical location, offshore and onshore connections availability of renewables and storage resources, multi-vector energy demand management. “Grid-forming” aspects in multi-terminal HVDC energy islands should be evaluated allowing a seamless transition between operating modes, and provision of grid services at DC/AC interconnections. Stability assessment considerations should be studied in order to ensure the intended operation and sufficient interoperability within energy islands and between energy islands and external grids. Flexible HVDC protection systems should be developed for expandable and reconfigurable energy islands taking into account all viable operating scenarios. Finally, a complete techno-economic-environmental assessment of the proposed solutions for energy islands should be performed and mechanisms for their market integration identified.
The main expected result of the HVDC4ISLANDS project is to demonstrate the unique potential of expandable and reconfigurable energy islands to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources, providing new flexible options for grid interconnection and alternative routes to market through energy storage, power-to-X and new energy services. Social benefits include access to knowledge and the development of new services provided by energy islands, reducing energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The project should improve knowledge within the energy systems community and the capacity for innovation. The concept will promote greater flexibility in energy transmission, which will strengthen the energy markets and benefit end-users and incentivise advanced training of engineers and researchers. The project results will enhance European leadership in emerging and strategic technologies, such as hybrid DC/AC grids and energy islands.