The EU Energy Projects Podcast: How EasyDC-FOS is powering Europe’s energy future

In this latest episode of the EU Energy Projects Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Manuel Muñoz, coordinator of the EasyDC-FOS project, a European initiative that is redefining how we think about high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology for interconnections and offshore grids.

As Europe moves toward a fully integrated and decarbonised energy system, HVDC infrastructure is no longer a distant vision, it is a necessity. The European Commission has set clear priorities on strengthening cross-border interconnections and offshore energy hubs, and projects like EasyDC-FOS are key to turning those goals into reality.

When I asked Manuel how the project contributes to this transformation, he explained that “EASY-DC-FOS is enhancing cable designs to transport 14% more power at the same voltage level.” This improvement, he noted, will make it possible to transmit renewable electricity more efficiently and over longer distances. “We are also developing remote diagnostic tools that can monitor cables up to 250 kilometers, compared to today’s 50 to 100. That means faster fault detection, shorter repair times, and greater reliability for Europe’s interconnected grids.”

The project also tackles one of the most pressing challenges of our time, sustainability. As Manuel pointed out, the insulation materials currently used in HVDC cables, such as XLPE, have a significant environmental footprint. The team is developing new, more efficient compounds to reduce that impact while maintaining high performance.

The project’s innovations extend beyond materials and monitoring; they include predictive algorithms trained on real-life testing data to anticipate cable behavior, detect early signs of degradation, and prevent costly failures before they occur.

In the context of the European Commission’s Green Deal and TEN-E policy, initiatives like EasyDC-FOS are not just technical projects. They are enablers of a more resilient, interconnected, and sustainable European energy future.

*You will have the opportunity to talk to the EasyDC-FOS representatives and learn more about the project at the EU Projects Zone during ENLIT Europe 2025 in Bilbao.