Siemens signs HVDC converters order for SuedLink transmission project

Siemens Energy AG has signed a supply order of necessary high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter technology for the SuedLink transmission project section between the grid interconnection points of Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein and Leingarten/Großgartach in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. 

SuedLink is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects in Europe. At the endpoints of the approximately 700-kilometer power link, converter stations are required that can convert direct current into alternating current and alternating current into direct current. The SuedLink converters will be designed as self-commutated voltage-sourced converters in a modular multilevel converter (MMC) arrangement with a rated DC voltage of ±525 kilovolts.

In addition to active power, the systems can also independently control reactive power. This allows them to respond flexibly to fluctuations in generation and consumption in the grid and enables the low-loss transport of up to two gigawatts of power in both directions. This output, which is equivalent to that of two nuclear power plants, can supply around five million households with electricity.

Siemens Energy will supply the converters and carry out the detailed and site-specific planning of the facilities in the coming months together with the project owners, the transmission grid operators TenneT and TransnetBW, and further project members.