HVDC and FACTS: Enablers for the Clean Energy Transition
When
As part of the clean energy transition, the integration of large amounts of variable renewable energy sources poses fundamental challenges, especially with a more complex cyber-physical system emerging. Different challenges drive the need for advanced technology solutions like HVDC and FACTS, while advancement in these technologies make them more viable today. However, the extensive deployment of DC links and hybrid AC/DC grids is an innovation challenge that requires the implementation of advanced solutions and methods.
This webinar, moderated by Mustafa Ibrahim (AFRY Energy Division), presents the challenges to the operation, investments, and governance of the electricity market. Results from research projects along with the vision for the European power system in the coming 10 years were presented. The speakers also demonstrate the role of HVDC and FACTS devices in the latest ENTSO-E Research, Development, and Innovation Roadmap 2020-2030. Magnus Olofsson (Downing Hydro), Íris Baldursdóttir (ENTSO-E), Stephen Woodhouse (AFRY Management Consulting), and Gabriel Olguin (AFRY Energy Division) discuss the following subjects:
- Challenges facing the power grid by renewable energy integration.
- The roadmap towards a successful energy transition.
- Grid flexibility and electricity market design reform.
- Case Study: Kimal-Lo Aguirre HVDC project role in resolving challenges introduced from the clean energy perspective.
Speakers
Mustafa Ibrahim:
Group Manager and Engineering Specialist for AFRY, T&D, Energy Division. He is the speaker on clean energy, T&D Sweden. He is leading the Advanced Power Systems and Solutions group working with FACTS, HVDC, and the integration of renewables. He joined AFRY as Technology Leader at AF Switzerland. During his 16 years of experience, he held different roles within the electricity and energy sector, from research to working with TSOs, DSOs, contractors, and developers in Sweden and internationally. Mustafa holds different degrees in Power Systems, including an M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, and MBA in Industrial Economics and Management from BTH, Blekinge Institute of Technology.
Magnus Olofsson:
Senior Nordic Advisor and Non-Executive Director for Downing Hydro. He is also the director and founder of the Swedish Energy Institute, Swedish national expert for ISGAN – International Smart Grid Action Network, and Member of the Board of the Swedish Hydropower Association. Prior to this, Magnus held different senior positions within the electricity and energy sectors – industry, research and governmental. Magnus holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from KTH, Royal Institute of Technology. He is also an elected fellow at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, Electrical Engineering Division.
Íris Baldursdóttir:
Senior Advisor at ENTSO-E (the European Network of Transmission System Operators), independent consultant and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Laki Power. Prior to that, she held the position of Executive VP of System operations & ICT at Landsnet, the Transmission System Operator in Iceland, where she worked for 15 years. She started her career at ABB (now Hitachi ABB), delivering highvoltage, turn-key, FACTS projects to a global market. Iris holds a M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, and is currently pursuing a degree in Global Business and Leadership at IESE Business School, Barcelona.
Stephen Woodhouse:
Director at AFRY Management Consulting and an expert on changing energy markets, focusing on market design. Stephen spent 18 months as Pöyry’s Chief Digital Officer, leading the roll-out of the company’s internal Innovation Platform and Lean Service Creation process. Before joining AFRY in 1999, he worked as an economic modeller for the UK electricity regulator Ofgem, working on market design, and previously as a transport consultant working on global aviation emissions modelling and high-speed rail projects. Stephen has an MA in Economics from the University of Cambridge.
Gabriel Olguin:
HVDC Engineering specialist at AFRY, T&D Sweden. Prior to his employment with AFRY, Gabriel worked as Deputy Manager for Study of Technologies at Transelec S.A. Santiago Chile. Gabriel is currently working as the project manager for Kimal-Lo Aguirre HVDC project in Chile, which, among other things, aims to strengthen the National Electricity Transmission Grid. Gabriel holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Chalmers university, Sweden.
