On November 16, 2023, the GIZ Energy Support Programme (ESP) in collaboration with the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) has organized a technical seminar for Sharing experiences in the applications of HVDC technology (*HVDC: High Voltage Direct Current). The seminar is within the framework of the German-Vietnamese Energy Dialogue funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The seminar aims at supporting the EVNNPT in learning practical experiences on investing and operating the HVDC transmission grid system, thereby having an adequate preparation for research and investment in HVDC infrastructure for the period after 2030 as approved in the PDP VIII.
In the context that Viet Nam needs to achieve its power goals to transit to clean energy and reduce carbon emission, one of the country’s biggest challenges is the transmission limit of the national grid infrastructure. HVDC technology is a proven solution chosen by many countries to optimally integrate renewable energy into grid with a number of advantages, such as:
- Allow connecting different synchronous zones;
- Higher transmission capacity over long distance, less land use, more sustainable to environment;
- Optimize use of right-of-way;
- Allow connection of remote loads and remote generation;
- More stable and versatile grid.
According to Mr. Chandra Mohan Sonnathi – lead HVDC specialist, DNV (based in the US), HVDC technology has many advantages compared to traditional HVAC technology, including applications in power exchange, connecting power transmission grids, supporting power system operation, improving power quality, and optimizing system reliability. In addition, he also shared benefits and solutions for converting HVAC to HVDC.
At the seminar, the other speakers also shared their experiences in operating HVDC projects in Australia, as well as the international connection projects being implemented in Asia. Thereby, the experts presented a comparative assessment of existing HVDC technologies, and analyze costs for several configurations of HVDC. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, High Voltage Electrical Engineering Expert, High Voltage Laboratory of the Institute of Energy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) also recommended that Viet Nam should immediately start developing and promulgating standards and regulations as a basis for investment in HVDC infrastructure.
Speaking at the seminar, EVNNPT Deputy General Director Luu Viet Tien thanked GIZ and the experts for supporting the organization of the seminar and sharing a lot of useful information about HVDC. EVNNPT looks forward to having more extensive support and cooperation with GIZ in the future.
Mr. Markus Bissel, Head of the German-Vietnamese Energy Dialogue shared at the event: “This is the first collaborative event between the GIZ ESP and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT). We hope that this event can bring together experts and industry leaders to share their knowledge and experiences in HVDC investment & operation, thereby facilitate exchange of new ideas and solutions to address the challenges facing Viet Nam’s energy transition.”
This technical seminar was attended by more than 100 officers, experts from the units under EVN and EVNNPT; the companies and institutions with extensive experience in HVDC technology in the world such as Sieamens Energy, Hitachi Energy, French Electricity Corporation (EDF), Australian Power Transmission Corporation (Transgrid), Bangladesh Electricity; Bangladesh delegation, as well as representatives of Embassies and GIZ Viet Nam.
