SuperNode has responded to ETIPWind’s online survey on Research & Innovation Priorities 2025 – 2027. The survey seeks views from industry experts to identify Research and Innovation (R&I) priorities for the European wind energy sector between 2025 – 2027.
Grid Forming Capabilities
SuperNode’s response advocates for the development of a pan-European meshed Direct Current (DC) grid interconnecting national grids and enabling the connection of remote renewables to demand centres. A grid of this kind will require significant research and innovation in grid forming capabilities to develop appropriate technologies suitable to the range of DC implementations. Voltage Source Converters (VSC) technology, with particular focus on Multi-Modular Converters (MMC) are a promising avenue for reducing converter sizes, minimising losses, and enabling higher voltage links.
Optimising Transmission Infrastructure
SuperNode highlights the imperative to optimise transmission infrastructure to support the surge in electrification and renewable energy. Current cable technology has a capacity limit which necessitates the development of efficient and high-capacity transmission cables to realise the full potential of electricity transmission and enable a timely and successful energy transition. Superconducting transmission cables, which can transmit up to 10 GWs of power while utilising significantly less space and materials compared to conventional cables, are in development and expect to be commercially available this decade.
Sustainable Technologies to Lower CO2 Footprint
Superconducting cables, operating at medium voltage, offer a number of advantages for the energy system. By reducing raw material consumption and the need for bulky infrastructure, such as transformers and platforms, these cables contribute to a lower CO2 footprint and far less raw material use.
You can view SuperNode’s full response here: ETIPWIND online survey on research & innovation priorities 2025-2027