Highlights
- Aquila Lite project enables seamless operation of High Voltage Direct Current transmission systems, improving network reliability
- Breakthrough in HVDC system operability marks new era' in clean energy innovation
A milestone has been reached in unlocking the full potential of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems to support the energy transition, through an innovative project allowing different manufacturer's systems to connect seamlessly to enhance network reliability.
In a world-first, SSEN Transmission has successfully demonstrated its Aquila Lite project, a software interface that allows for HVDC multi-vendor interoperability - allowing different manufacturer's systems such as controls and main circuits to work together, eliminating the need for costly AC/DC conversion when transferring power between them.
The project, led by SSEN Transmission and supported through Ofgem's Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), marks a significant breakthrough in realising the potential of the offshore HVDC grid network to deliver vast amounts of renewable energy to meet national clean energy and energy security ambitions.
As well as reducing capital investment costs associated with the construction of converter stations required to switch power between different systems, the technology reduces risk in the supply chain by avoiding reliance on a single supplier. Without interoperability, relying on a sole manufacturer (or vendor) to provide the bulk of the technology required for the developing offshore HVDC grid could expose future network operations to outage risks.
It has led to the development and patenting of a cutting-edge multi-terminal, multi-vendor HVDC control approach developed by The National HVDC Centre, which is owned and operated by SSEN Transmission in partnership with other transmission operators and the National Energy System Operator.
The Aquila Lite project was first demonstrated in collaboration with principal contractors GE Vernova and Mitsubishi at the recent IET ACDC International Conference, the first of several intended demonstrations across vendors.
Nithiananthan Vejayan, Innovation Delivery Project Manager at SSEN Transmission said:
"We're delighted to have achieved this historic milestone in our Aquila Lite innovation project, which has demonstrated how different vendor devices can harmoniously connect to a DC network and operate collectively to meet the requirements of Transmission Owners and operators.
"The achievement of multi-vendor interoperability in HVDC technology signals a new era in sustainable energy innovation and underscores SSEN Transmission's commitment to driving transformative change in the electricity sector to deliver a network for net zero.
"We plan further demonstrations with both Hitachi Energy and Siemens Energy ahead of the completion of the project, and continue to actively work with all vendors to demonstrate collective interoperability."
Ben Marshall, HVDC Technology Manager at The National HVDC Centre said: "The results of our demonstration have instilled industry confidence that interoperability is not just theoretical but practical and can be commercially, legally, and technically managed across the delivery of real projects.
"By patenting our process, we have removed any barriers to implementing this approach, setting the stage for future deployments with multiple Transmission System Operator projects in the early 2030s."
Teams from SSEN Transmission, GE Vernova and Mitsubishi Electric joined each other ahead of the IET ACDC International Conference, to reflect on the success of the Aquila Lite project. From left to right: Nithiananthan Vejayan (SSENT Innovation team lead), Dumisani Simfukwe (SSENT HVDC engineering lead), Fainan Hassan (GE Vernova), Carl Barker (GE Vernova) Ben Marshall (National HVDC Centre), Yamato Kentaro (Mitsubishi Electric), Yohei Okada (Mitsubishi Electric, Steve Langdon (Mitsubishi Electric)
A video explainer for the Aquila Lite Project is available to watch https://vimeo.com/1065945707?share=copy
Further information on the Aquila Lite project is available here AQUILA LITE | ENA Innovation Portal
Further information on the National HVDC Centre is available here The National HVDC Centre
About SSEN Transmission:
- SSEN Transmission is responsible for the electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland, investing in and maintaining the high voltage 132kV, 220kV, 275kV and 400kV electricity transmission network.
- SSEN Transmission's strategic objective is to enable the transition to a low carbon economy. It does this by building the electricity transmission network infrastructure required to connect and transport renewable electricity from the north of Scotland to areas of demand, as it delivers a network for net zero emissions.
- SSEN Transmission is owned 75% by SSE plc and 25% by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers').
- Learn more about SSEN Transmission by visiting, twitter at @ssetransmission, LinkedIn or Instagram.
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