DNV has issued a set of recommendations as well as a timeline to build an offshore HVDC transmission network to support U.S. offshore wind power goals.
The first phase of a Joint Industry Project concludes an offshore HVDC transmission system would enable more reliable power delivery, with the foremost recommendation from this study being for agencies, governor’s offices, developers, HVDC equipment manufacturers and service providers to work together toward building a system that will unlock the full potential of offshore projects.
Most imperative, according to study results, is a need for states to focus on procuring 320 kV HVDC symmetric monopoles without AC or DC interlinks. The study also recommends a step-by step build-up of infrastructure that takes into account the global HVDC equipment market.
“It is crucial to the success of the U.S. offshore wind industry that state agencies and governor’s offices pay greater attention to market constraints and the evolution of offshore transmission technology,” says Richard S. Barnes, region president for Energy Systems North America at DNV. “The recommendations outlined by this consortium provides a clear pathway to a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective HVDC transmission grid which will enable states to achieve their offshore wind energy goals.”
In September, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded DNV the role of coordinating offshore wind and transmission developers, utilities, regional transmission operators, equipment manufacturers and other key stakeholders to identify gaps in U.S. HVDC standards.
