Hitachi Consortium to Build Two More HVDC Platforms for TenneT

Hitachi Energy and India's L&T have signed a framework agreement with transmission operator TenneT to build two more HVDC offshore transmission platforms. The new projects, Nederwiek 3 in the Netherlands and LanWin 5 in Germany, will together bring 4 GW of clean electricity from North Sea wind farms to onshore grids. Adding to two platforms already under contract, the agreement brings the consortium's cumulative transmission capacity for TenneT to 8 GW, operating at 525 kV.

 

Details of the Framework Agreement

 

The agreement extends an existing relationship between the parties. Hitachi Energy and L&T have concluded a framework agreement with TenneT. The transmission system operator commissioned two additional HVDC offshore platforms. This builds on work the consortium is already carrying out for the operator. The new deal deepens a partnership focused on North Sea grid connections.

The consortium already holds significant contracts with the same operator. It is contracted to execute two 2 GW HVDC platforms in the Netherlands. These are the IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1 projects. Under the new agreement, the companies will begin two further projects. These are Nederwiek 3 in the Netherlands and LanWin 5 in Germany.

 

Scope of Work and Technology

 

The two companies bring complementary capabilities to the projects. The agreement covers engineering, procurement, construction and installation. Within this scope, L&T will execute the offshore converter platforms and associated infrastructure. Hitachi Energy will provide its HVDC Light technology for power conversion and transmission. This division of responsibilities pairs platform construction with specialised electrical technology.

The technology enables efficient long-distance power transfer from offshore sites. HVDC systems are well suited to carrying power over the distances involved. The converter platforms transform the power for transmission to shore. The projects will enable the transfer of renewable energy from offshore wind farms. This connects generation in the Dutch and German North Sea sectors to onshore grids.

 

The Two New Projects

 

Each project serves a distinct onshore connection point. Nederwiek 3 will connect to an onshore converter station in the Netherlands. That station is located in the municipality of Geertruidenberg in the south of the country. LanWin 5 will deliver power from the North Sea to Lower Saxony in Germany. Together the two links will bring 4 GW of clean electricity to the grid.

The projects contribute to a substantial cumulative capacity. Combined with IJmuiden Ver Alpha and Nederwiek 1, they reach 8 GW of transmission capacity. All the platforms will operate at 525 kV. This voltage level supports the efficient transmission of large volumes of power. The scale of the combined capacity reflects the growing offshore wind ambitions of both countries.

 

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Cross-Border Integration Potential

 

One of the projects carries potential for international interconnection. Nederwiek 3 is anticipated to be integrated into the British grid over time. This would occur through the LionLink interconnector currently under development. Such integration would create a multipurpose interconnector linking multiple functions. It would strengthen connections between European and UK energy markets.

This cross-border dimension reflects a broader shift in grid design. Linking offshore wind connections with interconnectors increases the value of the infrastructure. A single link can serve both to bring wind power ashore and connect markets. This dual function makes more efficient use of the offshore assets. It also supports greater integration across national energy systems.

 

Evolution Toward Multi-Terminal Hubs

 

The projects are envisioned as part of a more flexible future network. Over time, these links are expected to evolve into multi-terminal hubs. Such hubs enable more efficient use of existing infrastructure for future connections. This supports the development of a more flexible and resilient power network. It moves beyond point-to-point links toward an integrated system.

This concept has already been proven in practice elsewhere. The approach has been demonstrated in the UK through the Caithness Moray Shetland project. That 1.2 GW project is Europe's first multi-terminal HVDC VSC interconnection. Its success provides a template for the multi-terminal ambitions of the new projects. It illustrates how such hubs can strengthen and integrate power networks.