TEN-E revisited: Opportunities for HVDC technology

The high voltage transmission grid is dominated by AC technology. This is justified by its technical characteristics and its cost efficiency. Although in future AC technology will still provide the core of the transmission grid, the changing context makes it ever more difficult to apply standard AC technology. Alternative technologies, such as VSC HVDC (voltage source converter high voltage direct current) become economically feasible. HVDC (high voltage direct current) is nothing new and has been applied in specific circumstances for decades. VSC HVDC is relatively new and has characteristics that can contribute to current investment problems. Therefore, VSC HVDC is no longer limited to a few niche applications and consequently should not be overlooked when an investment decision has to be taken. The aim of the paper is to illustrate that VSC HVDC is not necessarily a niche technology, but that it should be included as an option in new investment decisions.