SSEN Transmission has just shattered a significant barrier in the energy sector, demonstrating a world-first innovation that could reshape how we think about High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems. The Aquila Lite project, supported through Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance, has shown that HVDC systems from different manufacturers can indeed operate together on the same grid network. This is no small feat, as it removes the need for alternating current conversion when transferring electricity between systems, a process that has long been a bottleneck in the industry.
The implications are vast. For one, this breakthrough could dramatically cut costs and reduce risk in future offshore HVDC grid projects. By enabling multi-vendor interoperability, the need for a single supplier is eliminated, fostering a more competitive and innovative market. This could lead to more efficient use of resources, faster deployment of projects, and ultimately, a more resilient clean energy network.
SSEN Transmission’s innovation delivery project manager, Nithiananthan Vejayan, put it succinctly: “We’re delighted to have achieved this historic milestone… which has demonstrated how different vendor devices can harmoniously connect to a DC network and operate collectively.” This achievement is not just a technical triumph but a testament to SSEN’s commitment to driving transformative change in the electricity sector.
The Aquila Lite interface was successfully tested with equipment from GE Vernova and Mitsubishi and demonstrated at the recent IET ACDC International Conference. Further demonstrations with Siemens Energy and Hitachi Energy are planned, indicating a growing industry consensus around this technology.
Ben Marshall, HVDC technology manager at The National HVDC Centre, echoed this sentiment: “The results of our demonstration have instilled industry confidence that interoperability is not just theoretical but practical.” The National HVDC Centre, which SSEN operates in partnership with other transmission operators and the National Energy System Operator, has developed and patented a multi-terminal, multi-vendor HVDC control system as a result of this work. This patenting process is crucial as it removes any barriers to implementing this approach, setting the stage for future deployments.
So, what does this mean for the future of the energy sector? For starters, it could accelerate the UK’s energy transition. By improving network reliability and enabling more flexible grid operations, this innovation could speed up the integration of renewable energy sources. It could also pave the way for more complex and efficient grid structures, such as multi-terminal HVDC networks, which could be crucial for connecting offshore wind farms and other remote energy sources.
Moreover, this development challenges the status quo of the energy industry, where single-vendor solutions have often been the norm. It opens the door for more collaboration and competition, which could drive further innovation and cost reductions. It also raises questions about how we regulate and standardize these new interoperable systems, a topic that will likely spark debate in the coming years.
In the short term, we can expect to see more demonstrations and pilot projects as the industry tests the limits of this new technology. But in the long term, this innovation could be a game-changer, reshaping how we think about and operate our energy networks. It’s a bold step forward, and it’s clear that SSEN Transmission is not afraid to challenge the norms and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the energy sector.
