Topologies of the North Sea Supergrid

Abstract

The development of the North Sea Supergrid is closely linked to three main topological ideas: (i) Business as Usual; (ii) Local Coordination; and (iii) Fully Integrated. In this paper, the three proposed topologies were simplified, analysed and compared for power export from offshore wind farms unto onshore grids. A review on the state-of-the-art HVAC and HVDC offshore transmission technologies was carried out. The national offshore network development strategies of the six countries surrounding the North Sea were summarised. The number of HVAC and HVDC assets required for all three topologies were calculated. It was evident from calculations that, by 2030, the Fully Integrated Topology will achieve approximately 8% asset savings than the Local Coordination Topology.