Resumen
In order to unlock the full potential ofEurope's offshore resources, network infrastructure is urgently required, linking off-shore wind parks and on-shore grids in different countries. HVDC technology is envisaged but the deployinent of meshed HVDC offshore grids is currently hindered by the high cost of con verter teclmology, lack of experience with protection systems and fault clearance components and inmature international regulations and financial instruments. The H2020 project PROMOTioN will overcome these barriers by develop1nent and demonstration of three key technologies, a regulatory and financial framework and an offshore grid deployment plan for 2020 and beyond. A first key technology is presented by Diode Rectifier offshore converter. This concept is ground breaking as it challenges the need far complex, bulky and expensive converters, reducing significantly investmnent and maintenance cost and increasing availability. A fully rated compact diode rectifier converter will be connected to an existing wind farm. The second key teclmology is an HVDC grid protection system which will be developed and demonstrated utilising
multi-vendor methods within the full scale Multi-Tenninal Test Environtnent. The mnulti-vendor approach will allow DC grid protection to beco1ne a "plug-and-play" solution. The third technology pathway will first time demonstrate performance of existing HVDC circuit breaker prototypes to provide confidence and detnonstrate technology readiness of this crucial network component. The additional pathway will develop the international regulatory and financial framework, essential far funding, deployment and operation of meshed offshore HVDC grids. With 35 partners PROMOTioN is ambitious in its scope and advances crucial HVDC grid technologies from medium to high TRL. Consortium includes all major I-NDC and wind turbine manufacturers, TSO's linked to the North Sea, offshore wind developers, leading academia and consulting companies.
