The converter stations, designed to convert direct to alternating current and vice versa, will be built at Wolmirstedt in Saxony-Anhalt and near Landshut in Bavaria. In the case of excess wind energy, the northern Wolmirstedt converter station will convert the alternating current into direct current. The energy will be transported to the south via underground cables with a voltage of 525 kilovolts. The Isar station in the south will convert the incoming direct current back into alternating current and feed it into the distribution network.
Up to two gigawatts of electricity can be transported in both directions to flexibly react to fluctuations in electricity demand and supply. The transmission capacity will be sufficient to supply more than four million households with electricity.
"An essential component of the energy transition is an efficient grid,” said Tim Holt, member of the Executive Board of Siemens Energy. “If we want to exploit the full potential of renewable energies and thus also of the energy transition, the transmission networks must be expanded accordingly. We are pleased to be able to make an important contribution to the European energy transition with SuedOstLink."
The high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link will include Siemens Energy’s market leading HVDC PLUS with voltage-sourced converters (VSC) based on modular multi-level converter (MMC) technology. Compared to other technologies, these systems offer advantages for the overall network operation, including flexible power control, also in regard to reactive power, and black start capability to restore the network power supply. The project represents the most powerful HVDC system in VSC technology worldwide.
