Technology to Build and Operate Supergrid Available Today

As announced at the inaugural conference “Supergrid 2012” on 21 March, FOSG has released a Roadmap on the technological challenges for Supergrid.

There are no technology “show-stoppers” to the development of a European Supergrid. For visionary long term planning the availability of key VSC-Grid technologies, such as control and protection methods, main circuit design, grid master control, offshore operation experience and selective fault clearance techniques like DC breakers, can be assumed. This should give confidence to specify grid-enabled point-to-point connections that could be expanded to multi-terminal building blocks for a larger overlaid grid. The critical time-line for introduction of new technology lies primarily in solution of non-technical issues, such as harmonization of Grid Codes, regulatory procedures and revenue models that will create a strong market growth and technology push.

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 23, 2012