Enabling the energy transition with DNV’s global HVDC and FACTS expertise
DNV provides independent technical assurance and advisory services across the full HVDC and FACTS asset lifecycle to support reliable, high-capacity power transmission.
Enabling the energy transition with DNV’s global HVDC and FACTS expertise
Combining deep technical expertise with market intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and financial acumen, our global team helps design, implement, and operate HVDC and FACTS systems that integrate renewable energy, strengthen grid stability, and accelerate the energy transition.
DNV works with leading developers, TSOs, investors, insurers, regulators and OEMs to overcome technical, regulatory, and supply-chain challenges.
Key benefits
Large grid companies
Proven global partner for TSOs, DSOs, energy developers, and major transmission owners
Years
Experience in HVDC and FACTS across generations of technological evolution, with project references in 100+ countries
GW
Total transmission capacity supported across global HVDC projects
Analysed
HVDC cable system component failures through independent root‑cause investigations
Our Service
HVDC and FACTS are critical for integrating offshore wind and other renewable energy sources, enabling cross-border electricity flows, and ensuring system stability in a climate-neutral future.
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DNV helps customers navigate the technical, regulatory, and commercial complexities of worldwide projects using a risk‑based approach.
- Mitigating supply chain constraints in a highly saturated market for converter stations and high voltage cables, advising on procurement strategies, driving design standardization and evaluating AC solutions combined with FACTS
- Managing project‑lifecycle risks from development to construction and operation
- Structuring cost, risk, and revenue‑sharing models for interconnectors, hybrid systems, and multipurpose interconnectors (MPI)
- Optimizing transmission solutions under spatial constraints, including landing points and DC/AC corridor interactions
- Ensuring secure grid operation in high-IBR systems through stability and grid‑integration assessments
- Navigating risk/opportunity from evolving grid‑code requirements for ancillary services, grid-forming capability, and compliance.
Through joint industry projects with partners such as Equinor, Shell, RWE, and National Grid Ventures, DNV helps define performance standards and accelerate the deployment of standardized offshore platforms, substations, and performance requirements.
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We provide independent, risk‑based technical, commercial and financial guidance across the full lifecycle of HVDC and FACTS projects, based on global experience and operational insight.
Assurance
- Independent technical reviews and audits, support for acquisitions and divestments, project financing, regulatory approval, and benchmarking across global projects.
Technical & strategic advisory
- Specialist consulting, including policy support, standardization, R&D and JIPs, and advisory on emerging technologies including DC circuit breakers, multi‑terminal DC and E-STATCOM.
Owner’s engineering
- Risk management and project support through techno‑economic feasibility studies, power-system modelling, transmission planning, renewable integration studies, and technical procurement, execution and QA/QC.
Training
- Practical, expert‑led training on VSC and LCC converter stations, cables, E-STATCOMs, series compensation and other FACTS devices, with focus on applications for interconnectors and renewables integration.
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Assess grid performance
- We evaluate current grid conditions, constraints, and future system needs to determine HVDC and FACTS feasibility.
Plan grid expansion
- Our experts identify optimal enhancement and expansion options, including transmission corridors, converter station needs, and system‑stability requirements.
Select technology & suppliers
- Independently assess technologies, solution architectures, and vendor capabilities to support informed procurement decisions.
Ensure quality delivery
- Support technical specifications, testing, commissioning, and construction oversight to secure high‑quality project execution.
Optimize asset performance
- Provide lifecycle assurance and data‑driven insights to maximize the technical and financial performance of transmission assets.
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As an independent advisor, DNV brings end‑to‑end expertise across the full lifecycle, helping customers design, deliver, and operate advanced transmission systems with confidence.
With decades of global experience and proven project references, we deliver assurance, advisory, and owner’s engineering services to help you de‑risk investment, optimize system performance, and accelerate delivery, enabling reliable, flexible, and future‑ready grids that support the energy transition.
Frequently asked questions
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HVDC is preferred for long‑distance, high‑capacity power transmission. For overhead lines, the breakeven distance is typically 500–800 km, and for cable systems 80–100 km. Other applications include integrating islanded renewable networks (e.g., offshore wind), developing cross‑border interconnectors, and improving system stability/controllability.
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FACTS devices enhance voltage stability, power flow control, and system flexibility. Playing a key role in grids with high renewable penetration, FACTS devices can increase power transfer capacity and improve grid stability, enabling system operators to make the most efficient use of their transmission assets. Some devices are also capable of providing short-circuit current and inertia, which were traditionally delivered by synchronous machines, enabling a high proportion of inverter-based resources to operate securely in modern grids.
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DNV’s owner’s engineering services are tailored to each customer. We can support specific technical tasks or act as the Employer’s Representative across all project phases, including studies, conceptual design, tendering, technical specifications, bid evaluation, EPC contract negotiation, design reviews, FAT, commissioning, and overall quality assurance.
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DNV supports optimization through performance benchmarking, condition assessment, digital monitoring, forensic investigation, and lifetime‑extension strategies. We also advise on maintenance, refurbishment, and upgrades, helping customers make risk‑based decisions on OPEX and reinvestment across the full asset lifecycle.
