Meeting HVDC circuit breaker market needs with GE Vernova

On the 19^th of June 2024, SuperGrid Institute and GE Vernova signed a collaboration agreement for the development of an HVDC (high voltage direct current) circuit breaker, a technology considered essential for the development of large multi-terminal direct current (MTDC) networks.

GE Vernova and SuperGrid Institute continue their collaboration

In continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed late last year, GE Vernova and SuperGrid Institute are continuing their collaboration to meet market needs by developing a prototype DC circuit breaker into a fully industrialised product.

Bringing SuperGrid Institute’s HVDC circuit breaker technology to the market

The project is financially supported by four German network operators as part of an innovation partnership with three European manufacturers, with the aim of deploying multi-terminal DC hubs by 2032. It includes a design phase followed by an implementation phase from 2026. The DC circuit breaker technology developed by SuperGrid Institute has already been demonstrated at power laboratory scale and, over the course of the project will be further tested and developed in order to finalise the complete 525 kVdc nominal voltage HVDC circuit breaker solution.

Proof of SuperGrid Institute’s research and development expertise

The project also includes a technology transfer component from SuperGrid Institute to its partner, based on 10 years of research, prototyping and laboratory testing.  It will mobilise a team of 6 people for 5 years and will result in the first concrete deployment of a DC power cut technology for SuperGrid Institute. This is a key technology for meeting the challenges of integrating distributed photovoltaic production and electrifying industry and transport.