Powering Europe’s future: Why HVDC is key to a resilient renewable grid

The European Commission has laid out ambitious plans to transition toward renewable energy sources in pursuit of climate neutrality by 2050. This shift from conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation to cleaner alternatives like wind and solar power will fundamentally reshape how energy flows across Europe’s transmission networks. Traditional AC systems, while historically effective, are increasingly strained by the variability and geographic dispersion of renewable energy production.

Recent developments across continental Europe, such as the recent Spanish blackout, have exposed the susceptibility of the EU power system to cascading disruptions triggered by disturbances in other parts of the region. These incidents highlight the urgent need for coordinated remedial measures at both national and regional levels to strengthen grid resilience and prevent widespread impacts.

Reliability and resilience

The reliability and resilience of the electricity network can be influenced by a wide range of factors, each posing unique challenges to system stability. Equipment failures, whether due to ageing infrastructure or technical faults, can disrupt power delivery and require costly repairs. Climate change and extreme weather events – such as storms, heatwaves and floods – are increasingly stressing grid components and complicating recovery efforts. Rapid technological changes, including the integration of renewable energy sources and digital systems, add layers of complexity to grid operations. 

As the system becomes more interconnected, operational demands grow, making coordination and control more challenging. Additionally, the actions of system users – whether intentional or accidental – can impact grid performance, while malicious actors pose a growing threat through cyberattacks or physical sabotage. Together, these factors underscore the need for robust planning, adaptive technologies, and collaborative strategies to safeguard the electricity network.

As Europe accelerates its transition toward a low carbon energy future, the integration of renewable energy sources, HVDC systems and power electronics introduce new sources of vulnerability that must be carefully addressed. The evolving power system will require enhanced adequacy to meet demand reliably, proactive measures to prevent adverse outcomes, and robust security frameworks to safeguard against disruptions. In the event of system failures or external shocks, effective containment strategies and the ability to withstand and recover from disasters will be essential. 

To meet these challenges, adapted HVDC configuration designs and the development of new supporting technologies will play a pivotal role. Dedicated control and protection actions tailored to HVDC systems will further strengthen operational resilience. Ultimately, HVDC presents significant opportunities to bolster the reliability and resilience of the European grid, enabling it to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing energy landscape with confidence and stability.

HVDC toolset

To support the evolution of Europe’s power system, it is essential to develop a comprehensive planning toolset focused on reliability and resilience, with accurate representation of various HVDC-based grid architecture concepts within hybrid AC/DC networks. This toolset will enable the identification, proposal, and comparison of different HVDC configurations tailored to meet the reliability and resilience requirements of TSOs operating increasingly complex AC/DC systems. 

A critical component of this effort involves assessing emerging technologies that can enhance HVDC-based grid architectures and facilitate the deployment of widespread AC/DC transmission infrastructure. Validation of these tools and concepts in industrially relevant environments will ensure their practical applicability and robustness. Ultimately, this initiative aims to prepare the energy sector for the seamless adoption and deployment of advanced HVDC solutions, paving the way for a more secure, flexible and future-ready European grid.

The HVDC-WISE project is shaping the backbone of Europe’s future energy system. As the continent accelerates its shift to renewables, the challenge isn’t just generating clean power – it’s delivering it reliably across an increasingly complex grid. HVDC-WISE is tackling this head-on by developing advanced tools and strategies that help TSOs design and operate hybrid AC/DC networks built for resilience and flexibility. At its core, the project focuses on turning complexity into confidence. It’s creating a powerful planning toolset that models HVDC-based architectures with precision, enabling TSOs to compare configurations and choose the best solutions for evolving system needs.

 HVDC-WISE also explores cutting-edge technologies to support large-scale AC/DC integration and rigorously validates every concept in real-world conditions. The ultimate goal? A grid that minimises losses, maximises capacity, seamlessly integrates renewables and strengthens cross-border energy trade – laying the foundation for a secure, sustainable and interconnected European power network.

Shaping Europe's energy system

The outcomes of this project will play a pivotal role in shaping the future European energy system, offering transformative benefits through the strategic deployment of HVDC technology. In the coming year, the project will collate a range of project outputs in a series of recommendations for reliable and resilient system planning, a technology roadmap for key enabling technologies for HVDC-based grids, and finally a number of recommendations for technical code and standardisation updates related to HVDC grids.

By significantly reducing transmission losses, HVDC enhances the overall efficiency of long-distance energy transport. Its superior capacity and power handling capabilities make it ideal for accommodating the growing demands of a decarbonised grid. Moreover, HVDC facilitates the seamless integration of renewable energy sources – such as wind and solar – by enabling flexible and stable connections across geographically dispersed generation sites. It also supports inter-area energy trade, promoting cross-border collaboration and energy market optimisation.

Together, these advancements will contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected European power network.

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