1. What is InterOPERA?
InterOPERA is a large international project that focuses on making future HVDC systems interoperable. The project runs from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2027. It brings together transmission operators, offshore wind developers, HVDC manufacturers, research institutes, and universities. The aim is to create practical technical requirements so that converters, protection systems, and control systems from different manufacturers can work together as part of the same HVDC grid.
In simple terms, InterOPERA wants future HVDC systems to behave like today’s AC systems where equipment from different suppliers can operate together without major compatibility issues.
2. What is the scenario of interoperability in HVDC today?
Today, HVDC interoperability is very limited. Most HVDC links are designed by a single vendor and follow that vendor’s own control and protection philosophy. This leads to several problems:
Interfaces and communication methods differ from one supplier to anotherProtection schemes do not follow a common approachMulti-terminal HVDC systems are difficult to design and testCombining equipment from multiple vendors requires special engineering and long testing cycles
Because of these issues, it is difficult to build a large, flexible HVDC network that can support offshore wind, cross-border transmission, and future power corridors. The lack of interoperability increases cost and slows down the adoption of HVDC technology worldwide.
3. Do AC systems have interoperability?
AC power systems already operate in a highly interoperable manner. This is possible because clear standards, shared grid codes, and well-established communication protocols exist. Equipment from different manufacturers can be connected to the same grid and is expected to behave predictably.
Transformers, breakers, relays, meters, and protection systems from various suppliers work together in AC grids because the industry has spent many decades aligning designs and defining common requirements. This level of maturity does not yet exist for HVDC systems. InterOPERA aims to close this gap and create the foundation for HVDC systems that are as interoperable as AC systems.
4. What are the objectives of InterOPERA?
According to the project website, InterOPERA is built around six clear objectives:
To make HVDC grids modular and interoperable by design.To standardize HVDC and wind power plant simulation models for assessment of interoperability.To perform a real-time physical demonstration of a multi-vendor control and protection system, including grid forming control capability.To pave the way to real-life Multi-Vendor, Multi-Terminal HVDC applications ready for future seamless system extension.To develop grid forming control features to support onshore AC systems.To secure multi-stakeholder cooperation, build confidence and uptake of the interoperability frameworks.
4. How will InterOPERA change the grid at a global level?
If InterOPERA succeeds, it will influence the development of HVDC grids not only in Europe but around the world. Several major changes are expected:
Multi-vendor HVDC projects will become easier to design and operate. Utilities will no longer have to rely on a single supplier for an entire HVDC project.International standards will strengthen because InterOPERA’s methods and test procedures can serve as valuable references for organizations such as IEC.Offshore wind integration will improve globally. Countries planning large offshore zones will be able to use proven interoperable HVDC designs.Costs will fall as standardization reduces the need for custom engineering and complex vendor-specific integration.Manufacturers will align their designs to match the new common requirements, which will naturally create a more harmonized global HVDC market.Long-term energy visions such as regional supergrids or international renewable energy corridors will become more realistic once HVDC systems are compatible by design.
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