Transmission grids, HVDC and underground cables

Spring 2025

This course offers a balanced introduction to transmission grids and its components, with a focus on vital technologies for future grids: underground cables and HVDC. By the end of this course, participants will have a solid understanding of the transmission grid, its challenges, and emerging solutions.

Transmission grids are rapidly evolving due to the rise of renewable energy sources and the key role of electrification in the energy transition. In Europe, energy generation from offshore wind continues to increase, with an installed capacity that will reach 300 to 450GW by 2050. Additional transmission capacity is vital to bring electric power onshore and to main load centres. With the reinforcement and expansion of the transmission grid, underground cables come into the picture as a viable solution, gaining public acceptance as opposed to overhead lines. Furthermore, high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems are being considered and under construction worldwide to expand the electric power system and to accommodate the integration of renewable energy sources.

The course consists of 4 modules (+-50h in total) taught by a mix of academic and industry speakers.

Module 1: Power system technologies and basic concepts

• Transmission system components
• Transmission grids
• 3 phase systems
• Power electronic components
• Power flow basics

Module 2: Underground cables

• Cable technology
• Modelling aspects
• Cable trade-offs: reactive power problem, resonances
• A cable project in theory and practice

Module 3: Protection, planning and operation

• Transmission system protection
• Protection workshop
• Power system operation
• Power quality

Module 4: HVDC introduction and technology

• Introduction and historic perspective
• HVDC technology
• Power electronics for HVDC
• Control principles
• Ancillary services with HVDC
• FACTS
• HVDC grids

Fill in the form below and we will inform you as soon as possible after registration opens.