The global energy landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, reigniting massive industry interest in Direct Current (DC) power transmission and distribution (T&D). The surge in DC is driven by the explosive growth of power electronics-based loads and the rapid, widespread deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), nearly all of which operate natively in DC. This shift is critical to the EU’s strategic energy independence, particularly following the REPowerEU Plan, which demands boosting total renewable energy capacity to an ambitious 1236 GW by 2030. Achieving this carbon-neutral future requires groundbreaking advancements, especially in integrating high-availability offshore wind generation, making DC technologies an indispensable component of the next-generation power grid.
HYNET is the strategic initiative designed to meet this challenge, delivering the essential innovations to accelerate the adoption of DC power systems across Europe. We are pioneering transnational design and planning for AC/DC hybrid power systems, establishing the first standardized methodologies and interoperability protocols for multi-terminal, multi-vendor and systems. HYNET will define and validate critical grid-forming capabilities for both and technologies. Our work culminates in a comprehensive workbench of innovative solutions that not only promotes the deployment of DC at all voltage levels but also provides crucial techno-economic validation of versus systems, with large-scale demonstrations planned across four European countries in both existing and planned hybrid grids.
Project Details
Project no. 101172757
Call identifier: HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01
Topic: HORIZON-CL5-2024-D3-01-13
Duration: 01 October 2024 to 30 September 2027 (36 months)