Development of MVDC, HVDC and High-Power Transmission systems and components for a resilient grid
European Comission
ExpectedOutcome :
Project results are expected to contribute to at least two of the following outcomes:
- Investigation and development of new converter systems (including back-to-back, floating, new systems with improved compatibility, lower losses, for superconducting technologies applications i.e., medium voltage, high current, etc.) for higher efficiencies.
- Investigation and development of additional sustainable energy storage solutions, interfacing with MVDC, HVDC and/or High-Power Transmission systems, to support the AC system. Storage solutions should aim at high round-trip efficiency, low dependence on critical raw materials, low land/space footprint.
- Investigation and development of DC breaker integrated in Multi-terminal DC (MTDC) systems, including DC breaker for integration with Superconducting cables.
- Investigation and development of the application of DC GIS in VSC MVDC, HVDC converters, including economic benefits on overall system solution.
- Investigation and development of SF6-free technology for new equipment in substations. Scope :
Projects are expected to implement the activities in (1) or in (2) and the corresponding practical demonstration in (3) as described below:
- R&I, methodologies and tools involving the activities listed below. These can be developed/complemented with others pertinent to the topic:
- Development of smaller, more compact and/or lower voltage, higher current converter topologies, including floating that can result in significant cost savings offshore.
- Technical analysis of trade-offs in performance, ambient condition impact, maintenance, reliability, dimensioning, testing procedures, etc.
- Demonstration of enhancement of AC system stability and AC system frequency by providing sustainable energy storage systems interfaced to MVDC, HVDC and/or High Power Transmission systems.
- Assessment of technical and economic feasibility of application of DC breakers in MTDC systems.
- Demonstration of DC fault ride through capabilities in MTDC systems by using DC breakers.
- Assessment of potential new converter topologies addressing future offshore developments with the aim of reducing the CAPEX and OPEX of the investments, and with increased fault current capabilities.
- Boost SF6-free technologies in high and medium voltage equipment, as well as a regulatory roadmap for replacement and new assets (HV: TRL 4-5; MV: TRL 6-8):
- Investigation and development of switchgears using SF6-free technology with low impact on GWP. Alternative SF6 gases with low environmental impact while at the same time ensuring low space occupancy for offshore applications on platforms.
- Assessment of grid resilience and the economic and environmental impact of replacement and new installation rollout options (timeline, perspective of global market, grid reliability and full lifecycle impact).
- Regulatory recommendations at EU level to cope with financial risks inherent with putting novel technologies into the system and transition time options to move from SF6 to SF6-free technology for new equipment.
- Investigation and development of an SF6-free gas-insulated substation or air-insulated SF6-free instrument transformers or switchgear at different voltage levels.
- Demonstration, test and validation of the activities developed in (1) or in (2) in at least two pilots in different EU Member States/Associated Countries.
The selected projects are expected to contribute to the BRIDGE initiative[1], actively participate to its activities and allocate up to 2% of their budgets to that end. Additional contributions to the ‘Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation’ (AIOTI) and other relevant activities (e.g. clusters of digital projects and coordinating actions) might be considered, when relevant.
Specific Topic Conditions :
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 8 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
General conditions
- Admissibility conditions: described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes
Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
- Eligible countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide .
- Other eligibility conditions: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
Financial and operational capacity and exclusion: described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes
Evaluation and award:
Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes
Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual
Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes
- Legal and financial set-up of the grants: described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025). [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf]].
Specific conditions
- Specific conditions: described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Documents
Call documents:
Standard application form — call-specific application form is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Standard evaluation form — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
MGA
Additional documents:
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 13. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual