Towards an underground, HVDC based power system of the future
On 10 September 2024, the newly established Etch (Energy Transmission Competence Hub) in Belgium held its inaugural annual conference, marking a significant milestone in the field of technology and operation of future electricity networks with large-scale integration of HVDC technology and underground cables.
The event kicked off with a series of scientific presentations addressing critical topics such as the modeling, implementation, and challenges of underground cables, the need for more rigorous methods to address cable hosting capacity, and the complexity of underground cables, which is changing the paradigms of inductive grids. Key messages included the importance of accurate modeling and the development of tools. Discussions also covered harmonic hosting capacity and advanced protection solutions for modern grids, including fast disconnectors and circuit breakers for multiterminal HVDC systems.
The conference featured presentations on functional requirements for measurement equipment, the introduction of open-source tools for large system studies based on black-box models, and innovative grid-forming controls. Highlights included the unveiling of new toolboxes and methods, which promise significant time savings and compatibility with multivendor environments. Other important topics included the allocation of inertia within the optimal power flow, resilience and sensitivity to protection timing, and cyber-physical security threats and management. The conference concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of Etch, emphasizing its role in advancing research and fostering collaboration within the industry.
