High Voltage Direct Current Connections

The Network Code on High Voltage Direct Current Connections (HVDC) specifies requirements for long distance direct current (DC) connections. These are used to link offshore wind parks to mainland or to connect countries over long distances (for example the longest existing interconnector in Europe, NorNed, links Norway and The Netherlands with an HVDC submarine cable of 580 km long).

Current Status Entered into force Read the guideline

Published Regulation

The published network codes become regulations. Use this section for a handy way to jump to a particular article of the network code.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1447

establishing a network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules

Implementation - Making the code a reality

Implementation Monitoring (Active Library)

Keep track of the implementation of each of the connection network codes, view implementation guidence documents, expert task forces and review consultation outcomes.

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Implementation guidance documents

Keep track of the latest versions of the implementation guidance documents

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Technical Groups

Terms of reference for each of the technical groups

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HVDC related Deliverables

European Stakeholder Committee

History & Development of the network code

Below you will find the Frequently asked questions relating to the network code High Voltage Direct Current Connections.

The Network Code on High Voltage Direct Current Connections (NC HVDC) will specify requirements for long distance DC connections, links between different synchronous areas and DC-connected Power Park Modules, such as offshore wind farms, which are becoming increasingly prominent in the European electricity system.

This is a relatively new area in which fewer standards or grid codes exist, making a pan-European approach particularly beneficial. Following on from the Network Code on Requirements for Generators and the Demand Connection Code, the NC HVDC will build on the same foundations, to create a consistent and complete set of connection codes. ​

Download final draft Network Code on HVDC connections – October 2015​​

Latest Status Update (December 2015)

In October 2015, Member States gathered in comitology voted positively on the new HVDC code. The code will now go through scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council, and ENTSO-E hopes it will enter into force in spring of 2016.

The draft code and all the related documents can be downloaded from the links in the table below. An overview of the latest developments for all network codes is available.

What Happens Next?

Far from representing the end of the work establishing an internal electricity market, the Comitology process is in fact just the beginning.

The network codes have been developed to help realise Europe’s three energy policy goals – of ensuring security of supply; creating a competitive Internal Electricity Market; and decarbonising the electricity sector. For this to happen the network codes need to be implemented and complied with across Europe.

Each network requires a series of steps to be taken before they can enter into force. This might be national decisions, the conclusion of regional agreements or the creation of more detailed methodologies. All market participants, DSOs, TSOs and regulators will be involved and there will be extensive development work and consultation required.

The connection related network codes employ a flexible framework, which allow some values to be set on a national basis, within ranges specified in the network codes, while other issues are tackled on a pan European basis. This approach reflects the fact that electricity transmission infrastructure has developed differently in many European countries.

##Stakeholder Engagement ENTSO-E’s stakeholder engagement for the development of the NC HVDC will comprise of Public Stakeholder Workshops, User Group Meetings as well as ad-hoc meetings and exchange of views with any interested party as appropriate. The HVDC User Group, which was constituted after an open call in early-2013, is a key forum for continuous interaction with stakeholders to ensure that issues are communicated and shared in an efficient manner throughout the development of the HVDC code. All material, including minutes and presentations from meetings will be made public.

Public Stakeholder Workshops

DateWorkshopMinutesDocuments
04/12/132ndAgenda
Presentations
23/05/131stMinutesAgenda
Presentations

User Group Meetings

DateMeetingMinutesDocuments
10/03/145thMinutesNC HVDC Working Draft
Presentations
15/01/144thMinutesPresentations
12/09/133rdMinutesNC HVDC Working Draft
Presentations
11/06/132ndMinutesStakeholder input received
Presentations
12/03/131stMinutesPresentations

Bilateral Stakeholder Meetings

DateStakeholder(s)Documents
22/01/14Eurelectric & VGBMinutes

Related Documents and Links

Factsheet on HVDC code and technology

For further information on NC HVDC, please contact Edwin Haesen

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