Direct Current Technologies

The working group on direct current technologies brings together stakeholders from the energy sector, such as transmission system operators, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems manufacturers, wind turbines manufacturers and wind farm developers. The goal is to identify the needs and pathways for the development and deployment of HVDC and direct current (DC) technologies in the EU. 

The direct current technologies working group helps to align ongoing research, development and innovation actions at the national and EU level, and develop new joint actions. It also raises interest in DC systems and related power electronics at the national and EU level to support this key technology for the energy transition. Finally, the working group increases collaboration and coordination with the SET Plan countries and ensures their active involvement in the EU technology development. 

The HVDC and DC technologies play an important role in integrating renewable energy sources in the EU energy system. For instance

1. While the Implementation Plan (IP) for HVDC was published in 2021, the current focus has been on expanding its scope to include the equally important area of low voltage direct current (LVDC) technology. The IWG was supported by a Temporary Working Group (TWG) on LVDC, which developed a separate LVDC IP adopted by the Steering Group in September 2024. Following the adoption of the LVDC IP, the IWG encompasses both low and high voltage direct current technologies.
2. The IP for HVDC and DC 2021 sets out short-term, medium-term and long-term actions across four key areas where innovation is needed, namely:
3. Technology: Develop HVDC system components, such as converters, cables, and switchgear to improve sustainability, efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness, as well as increase power capacity and voltage.
4. Control and protection: Control and protection systems manage how HVDC grids interact with AC grids, ensuring proper converter operation, fast and accurate service delivery, and fault detection and resolution.
5. Operation: HVDC systems offer more flexibility to manage power grids, allowing operators to improve stability, interconnect regions and integrate renewable energy, which requires new management strategies and operational rules.
6. Planning: HVDC systems should be integrated into future power grids to support multi-terminal connections, long-distance power transfer and grid expansion in a cost-effective way with common methodologies and tools.
7. The Implementation Working Group (IWG) will:
8. foster productive exchanges and collaboration between the SET Plan countries to facilitate funding streams for HVDC and DC technologies research at the national and regional level
9. inform members about policy developments and relevant funding opportunities at the European level
10. collect information from the SET Plan countries on their national progress on HVDC and DC technologies-related projects for SET Plan purposes
11. allow SET Plan countries to share their best practices in fostering HVDC and DC technologies research and innovation. 
12. The LVDC IP 2024 describes the need for a dedicated IP for LVDC due to its distinct applications and technological advancements compared to HVDC. Unlike HVDC, which is primarily used for long-distance, high-capacity power transmission, LVDC serves local-level needs such as integrating renewables, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing power losses in industrial and residential settings. The deliverables are established around the following activities:
13. Activity 1 – R&I topic description, covering several technological, standardisation, regulatory and education aspects
14. Activity 2 – Technology for power semiconductors
15. Activity 3 – Technology–system aspects
16. Activity 4 – Effects of DC currents on the human body and building structures
17. Activity 5 – Education, training, awareness.

Belgium is co-chairing this group and its members include representatives of industrial associations, regional and national authorities in charge of research, innovation, education, climate action, and energy in the following SET Plan countries. 

Participating SET Plan countries (in alphabetical order):

• Belgium (Chair)
• Croatia (Observer)
• Cyprus
• Denmark 
• France
• Germany
• Ireland (Observer)
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia (Observer)
• Spain
• Switzerland (Observer) 
• Türkiye (Associated Country) 
• United Kingdom (Observer)

• WindEurope
• European association of the electricity transmission and distribution equipment and services industry (T&D Europe)
• ENTSO-E

• IWG Co-chair: Nicolaos Antonio Cutululis, Technical University of Denmark,
• IWG Co-chair: Dirk Van Hertem, KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering