HVDC Advisory & Engineering Services
HVDC Technology for a Cross-Border, Fossil-Free Energy Supply
Learn how AFRY's end-to-end consulting and engineering services for HVDC interconnectors enable secure, efficient cross-border energy transfer and support the integration of renewables into the grid worldwide.
The global shift to clean energy is picking up speed. In 2024 alone, the world added an impressive 585 GW of new renewable capacity—most of it in China, Europe, and the US. As electrification spreads, industries, buildings, and transport are all moving toward cleaner power sources. Climate goals are no longer the exception, they’re the rule. Over 140 countries have committed to net-zero targets, and the EU has made climate neutrality by 2050 a legal obligation.
“Rapid grid expansion and digitalization, alongside market reforms that reward dispatchability, locational value, and system services, are essential to unlock renewables’ full potential.” – AFRY’s Fossil Detox Update Report
But with progress comes new challenges. As AFRY’s Fossil Detox Progress Report points out, the pace of renewable growth is outstripping the capacity of our current grids. Bottlenecks like grid congestion, slow permitting, and outdated infrastructure are holding us back.
- The EU estimates that €2 trillion in grid upgrades will be needed by 2050.
- Tripling renewable capacity by 2030 is a global goal—but grids are both the biggest hurdle and the key to success.
- Expanding and modernizing the grid is essential to keep the momentum going.
HVDC: A Key Technology for Tomorrow’s Energy Systems
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is emerging as an essential technology for future energy systems. Unlike traditional AC transmission, HVDC efficiently moves massive amounts of electricity over long distances with minimal losses. This is vital for connecting remote energy sources like offshore wind farms and large-scale solar parks to the grid and delivering clean power where it’s needed.
HVDC helps transform today’s fragmented grids into a smart, interconnected network. It allows countries to share energy, balance supply and demand in real time, and respond together to changes. With HVDC, energy flows across borders—so surplus solar or hydro in one region can power homes and businesses in another. That means stronger energy security, more resilience, and more stable prices for everyone.
Flexibility and Resilience for a Net-Zero World
Clean power alone isn’t enough. As renewables scale up, flexibility—the ability to balance supply and demand, manage variability, and respond instantly to change— provides the foundation for a stable, responsive energy system.
Technologies like battery storage, demand-side response, and long-duration storage all rely on a flexible, connected grid and HVDC makes that possible. It’s the key to integrating variable renewables and keeping the system stable as we move toward a net-zero world.
Our HVDC Services
Strategic & Transactional Advisory
- Market and policy analysis, price projections, risk and due diligence, M&A and portfolio support.
Feasibility & Concept Development
- Prefeasibility and feasibility studies, conceptual engineering, technology selection (LCC/VSC), comparative alternatives with loss and cost implications, and route/cable concepting.
Grid Integration & Power System Studies
- Load flow and transient stability simulations, harmonic and EMC assessments, measurement/testing of grid distortions, and system studies that secure reliable integration into existing AC networks.
Engineering & Specifications
- Basic and detailed engineering for onshore/offshore converter stations and cables, multidisciplinary specs, tendering and contract preparation (incl. FIDIC), and supplier workshop QA/QC.
Permitting & Impact Assessment
- Environmental and social impact assessments, permitting strategies, crossing agreements and stakeholder coordination to keep critical paths moving.
Owner’s/Lender's Engineer
- Design reviews, site supervision, factory tests, commissioning oversight, performance/guarantee testing, and lenders’ technical advisory for sellers, buyers and financiers.
Management Consulting
- Global advisory services delivering strategic advice, forward-looking market analysis, organizational and digital transformation, M&A and transaction services, and sustainability consulting for the energy sector.
EPCM & Project Management
- End to end EPCM, interface management across civil, electrical and marine scopes, schedule/cost control, and risk management on complex multi-contract setups.
Explore our HVDC Projects
Why AFRY?
Accelerating the energy transition
Our services for HVDC interconnections allow renewable energy to be traded across international boundaries.
This facilitates better tariffs and improves the overall utilization rate of renewable resources, making them more profitable and financially attractive.
Driving change
We work together with various TSOs to enable cross-border cooperation without compromising on technical requirements, which may differ across countries.
We accelerate the adoption of new solutions by bringing the latest advancements in the industry directly to our customers.
Trusted partner
We have a long-term partnership with many major TSOs worldwide.
Additionally, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of services required in this sector, including civil engineering, environmental consulting, and permitting.
Extensive experience
AFRY has been active in the HVDC business for over 50 years, with a vast variety of projects delivered across Europe and worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is HVDC?
- What are the benefits of HVDC systems?
- What industries benefit most from HVDC solutions?
- How do HVDC interconnectors support the energy transition?
HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) is a transmission technology that transports large amounts of electricity using direct current. Converter stations transform AC into DC for efficient long-distance transfer and convert it back to AC at the receiving end. DC is preferable over AC for very long overhead lines, subsea or underground cables, and for connecting asynchronous grids, as it reduces losses, avoids reactive power issues and enables precise power flow control.
HVDC enables efficient long-distance power transfer with lower losses and higher capacity than AC. DC is ideal for subsea and underground links, where AC suffers from reactive power issues. HVDC also provides precise power flow control, stabilizes grids and connects systems with different frequencies. Therefore, they can support large-scale renewable integration.
Transmission System Operators (TSOs), utilities, offshore wind developers and operators of energy-intensive industries benefit most from HVDC as it is particularly valuable for remote renewable projects, long-distance transmission corridors, cross-border interconnectors and high-capacity links to offshore wind farms. Industries requiring high reliability—such as data centers and manufacturing—also gain from DC-based stability.
HVDC interconnectors link regions and markets, allowing clean energy to flow efficiently across long distances—especially where AC would face high losses. They balance variable renewables, enhance system flexibility and strengthen security of supply. By transporting green power from remote generation to demand centers, HVDC accelerates decarbonization and grid modernization.
