Future of High-Voltage Engineering: Real-World Applications, R&D Trends & Next-Decade Innovations

Summary

This talk covers the advancements, applications, and future outlook of high voltage engineering, with a focus on its role in the renewable energy transition. The speaker highlights the growing importance of high voltage systems in offshore wind, solar, hybrid projects, and industrial electrification. R&D efforts are driving innovations in cable technology, converters, and energy storage integration. The next decade will see the widespread adoption of multi-terminal DC networks, AI-driven diagnostics, and green hydrogen production, with high voltage engineering shaping the backbone of a net-zero energy system by 2035.

Takeaways

• 😀 High voltage engineering is evolving rapidly, driven by the growth of renewable energy applications such as offshore wind, solar, and battery storage systems (BSS).
• 😀 Research and development (R&D) play a critical role in advancing high voltage technologies, ensuring they move from theoretical to practical solutions.
• 😀 The deployment of offshore wind farms and solar PV plants over 500 MW globally is pushing the need for advanced high voltage systems and integration.
• 😀 Multi-terminal DC (MTDC) hubs in regions like the North Sea are helping to expand offshore energy networks, with offshore grids serving as the backbone of the energy transition.
• 😀 Hybrid projects combining solar, wind, and energy storage have moved from pilot phases to mainstream deployment, particularly in the US and Australia.
• 😀 High voltage systems are not just for power generation but are increasingly being used in industrial applications such as mining electrification and green hydrogen production.
• 😀 The integration of storage and power electronics at high voltage levels is improving grid stability, with wideband gap semiconductors and HVDC links optimizing performance.
• 😀 Advanced materials, including nanostructured dielectrics, are being developed to improve cable insulation performance, a crucial advancement for high voltage applications.
• 😀 Real-world case studies, such as China’s ultra-long HVDC transmission lines and Europe’s offshore wind integration, demonstrate the scalability of recent high voltage innovations.
• 😀 Looking ahead, the next decade will see the full deployment of MTDC networks, AI-driven diagnostics and predictive maintenance, and increased use of hydrogen in high voltage systems, shaping a net-zero energy future by 2035.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's discussion in this transcript?

The speaker is discussing the recent advances in high voltage engineering, specifically focusing on applications, research and development (R&D), and the future outlook for high voltage systems over the next decade, particularly in relation to renewable energy and electrification.

Why are applications and R&D important in high voltage engineering?

Applications are essential because they show how high voltage technology moves from theoretical research to real-world deployment. R&D investments drive the development of new solutions, ensuring that innovations are scalable, reliable, and can meet sustainability targets, which are crucial for the energy transition.

How has offshore wind energy impacted high voltage engineering?

Offshore wind farms, particularly in Europe, China, and the US, have been a significant driver for high voltage engineering innovations. These projects rely on high voltage transmission systems, such as HVDC (high voltage direct current) export systems, with voltage levels up to 525 kV. The development of multi-terminal DC (MTDC) hubs and advances in cables and converters have made these systems possible.

What are the key trends in solar PV and BSS projects in relation to high voltage systems?

Large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants (above 500 MW) and battery storage systems (BSS) have expanded globally, especially in the US and Australia. Hybrid projects combining PV, wind, and storage are becoming mainstream, requiring high voltage converters with grid-forming control systems for effective integration and stable power delivery.

How is high voltage engineering supporting sectors like mining and hydrogen production?

High voltage systems are crucial in the electrification of mining operations and the production of green hydrogen. They enable large renewable inputs through HVDC converters and help integrate renewable energy sources into industrial processes. Mining operations and industrial parks are increasingly dependent on high voltage connections for efficient power distribution.

What role does power electronics and storage play in high voltage systems?

Power electronics, such as BSS connected at high voltage levels, provide fast frequency regulation and voltage support, enhancing grid stability. The integration of wideband gap semiconductors in converters has improved efficiency, while hybrid AC-DC networks and optimized HVDC links ensure that storage and power electronics are effectively blended to stabilize the grid.

What are some of the key R&D frontiers in high voltage engineering?

Key R&D developments include advanced dielectric materials with nanopillars to improve cable insulation, hybrid and solid-state DC breakers for commercial use, and online space charge sensing moving from research to practical application. Additionally, AI-driven diagnostics and synthetic data libraries are being developed to enhance system reliability and predictive maintenance.

What are some notable case studies mentioned in the transcript?

Notable case studies include the ultra-long HVDC lines in China (exceeding 3,000 km), the deployment of 525 kV subsea cables in Europe for offshore wind integration, the use of SF6-free switchgears in Germany and Switzerland at transmission voltages, and the large-scale BSS integrated with HV grids in Australia since 2018.

What is the future outlook for high voltage engineering over the next decade?

The next decade will see the full deployment of multi-terminal DC (MTDC) networks, with AI playing a central role in diagnostics, control, and predictive maintenance. The global rollout of SF6-free switchgear will become the standard, and the electrification of heavy industries and hydrogen production will expand the application of high voltage systems. High voltage engineering will be central to achieving net-zero energy systems by 2035.

How will high voltage engineering contribute to the clean energy transition?

High voltage engineering is crucial to the clean energy transition by enabling the integration of renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind and solar, into the grid. The development of advanced converters, insulation systems, and protection technologies will facilitate the widespread deployment of renewable energy, energy storage, and the electrification of various industries, helping to meet carbonization goals.