The rising electricity demand from data centers, the electrification of transportation, and U.S.-based manufacturing calls for a significant increase in energy supply. Offshore wind, solar photovoltaics, and new nuclear power have the potential to meet the increased demand. However, the U.S. will require a massive expansion of its transmission capacity to move that electricity promptly and reliably to where it is needed.

High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission can transport electrical power more efficiently than conventional alternating current (AC) transmission over long distances. The goal of DC-GRIDS is to enable the rapid expansion of the grid’s capacity by making HVDC transmission systems cost-comparable with conventional AC technology. This will lead to higher grid resiliency, energy availability, performance, and lower deployment time (if HVDC can use the existing overhead and underground transmission infrastructure rights-of-way). The program will also enable true multi-directional power routing with flexible interconnections between new and existing AC and direct current (DC) lines, making integration of sustainable energy sources faster and easier.

This program will focus on two technical categories:

1. Category A: Novel submodules and modular high-voltage power electronic valves; and
2. Category B: Technologies that enable highly compact multi-terminal converter stations.

Technological breakthroughs under Category A will enable the availability of low-cost, vendor-agnostic valves that can be plug-and-play-ready and able to flexibly operate together in the same HVDC converter station. This would lead to a competitive economy that will drive down the cost of valves, and consequently converters, enabling their wider deployment. Technologies under Category B will make conversion of existing AC substations into HVDC converter stations possible. By realizing a higher-capacity grid where DC and AC transmission operates in a highly coordinated fashion, DC-GRIDS can lead to higher grid resiliency and significantly improved flexibility when integrating new electricity sources (e.g., offshore wind) onto the U.S. grid.

ARPA-E expects that scientists and engineers will form project teams with expertise in power electronics, power systems, digital control, insulation, thermal management and other related fields. Interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaboration and partnership with system integrators, equipment vendors, developers, utilities, and/or independent system operators will be critical in achieving advances in novel HVDC technology.