ENTSO-E Publishes Technical Report on Data Requirements for Building HVDC Reliability

As Europe advances towards its 2050 climate neutrality objectives, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) infrastructure is set to become a cornerstone of a decarbonised and resilient European power system. HVDC plays a critical role in integrating offshore renewables, enabling long-distance power transmission, and strengthening cross-border electricity markets. Ensuring the reliability and performance of HVDC systems is therefore essential to the successful delivery of EU climate and energy ambitions.

ENTSO-E's Data Specifications for HVDC Reliability Assessment - Technical Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of HVDC reliability in Europe. Drawing on a unique survey of Transmission System Operator (TSO) perspectives, the report identifies key technical, operational, and institutional challenges that continue to constrain HVDC performance and availability.

The report combines rigorous technical analysis with extensive input from European TSOs, offering an in-depth examination of reliability concepts, metrics, and data requirements across the HVDC asset lifecycle. Building on previous ENTSO-E work and ongoing initiatives on HVDC systems, it highlights the urgent need for harmonised definitions, improved data granularity, and enhanced transparency to enable benchmarking, systematic learning, and informed decision-making.

A central outcome of the report is the identification of concrete short- and medium-term actions to address the main reliability bottlenecks. These actions require coordinated engagement from TSOs, manufacturers, regulators, policymakers, and the research community. To support this collaboration, the report sets out a five-pillar roadmap aimed at establishing a secure, resilient, and reliable HVDC system for Europe.

By strengthening data specifications, promoting knowledge sharing, and aligning reliability targets across Europe, this report supports ENTSO-E's broader objectives under the Future-Proof Grids and Offshore Network Development agendas. Reliable HVDC infrastructure is indispensable for Europe's energy transition, and this report provides a clear pathway to ensure HVDC systems can deliver their full potential in a climate-neutral European electricity system.

In case you want to engage further on the report, please reach out to Convenor Swasti Khuntia [email protected].

Link to report: ENTSO-E_TR_Data-Specs_HVDC_260108.pdfRead the full report here.