Belgian TSO Seeks HVDC Converter Stations and Maintenance

January 24, 2023, by Adnan Durakovic

Belgian transmission system operator Elia is in the market for two (High Voltage Direct Current) HVDC converter stations and the associated maintenance.

The tender covers a detailed design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, transport, installation, construction, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of two HVDC converter stations with a DC voltage level of +-525kV.

One HVDC converter station will be located onshore in Belgium and the other converter station, with the ability to connect future DC interconnections, will be located on the Princess Elisabeth Island in the Belgian North Sea.

The works are a key part of the new offshore transmission infrastructure in the Belgian part of the North Sea and play a crucial role in providing an efficient, reliable grid connection for the new Belgian offshore wind farms and the export of electricity to the mainland, Elia said.

The works therefore qualify as ‘critical infrastructure’ and are subject to specific security and protection measures, including those aimed at preventing or mitigating damage to the infrastructure or any part thereof.

Activities up to commissioning last up to six years after which the maintenance period begins, lasting 20 years, Elia said.

The tender remains open until 27 February.

The Princess Elisabeth Energy Island is a key piece of Elia’s Modular Offshore Grid 2 (MOG2) energy island project which will connect the 3.5 GW offshore wind zone to the Belgian grid and allow interconnections to other grids.