The National HVDC Centre

What The National HVDC Centre does

The National HVDC Centre, established in 2013 and operating from Cumbernauld, Scotland, is the UK's only dedicated simulation and training facility for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) schemes. It is a subsidiary of Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (trading as SSEN Transmission) within the SSE Group, with Ofgem as its primary funding source through the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). The Centre provides four core services: replica services (duplicates of physical HVDC converter station control and protection systems used for pre-commissioning testing, training, and post-commissioning support); grid integration and interactions studies (real-time simulation of control interactions between converters); operational support (fault diagnosis, return-to-service assistance, and maintenance rehearsal); and HVDC training courses for project teams and operational engineers.

Its technical platform is built on RTDS (Real Time Digital Simulator) hardware-in-the-loop technology, complemented by validated PSCAD and RSCAD EMT-type simulation models developed jointly with the University of Strathclyde. The Centre runs a deep innovation portfolio (Aquila, BLADE, FAST DC, Project LENS, INSIGHT, SETTLE, PROMOTioN, MTTE, HVDC-WISE) and holds three granted patents covering multi-terminal control IP from Project Aquila, which underpinned the first successful multi-vendor multi-terminal HVDC interoperability demonstration in December 2024.

The go-to-market is enterprise field sales to a small set of UK Transmission Operators, the GB System Operator, Offshore Transmission Operators, interconnector projects, and HVDC equipment manufacturers (GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy, Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens Energy). Services are delivered as managed Ofgem-funded programmes and as paid professional services for replica hosting, training, and dedicated simulation studies. Customer relationships are anchored by direct project collaboration and industry forums (notably the annual HVDC Operators' Forum).

Name

The National HVDC Centre

Legal name

The National HVDC Centre (part of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission, trading name of Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc)

Website

https://hvdccentre.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The UK's only Ofgem-funded simulation and training facility for HVDC schemes, providing replica-based testing, grid integration studies, and operational support to GB transmission operators, the system operator, offshore wind developers, and major HVDC manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Power Grid Simulation Services

NAICS

Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control (221121), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

HVDC Control, Protection & SCADA Systems (incl. DC Grid Control) (EUADAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

HVDC Converter Stations (LCC/VSC) & Valve Halls (EUADAMAA), High-Voltage & High-Power Conversion (HVDC supplies, traction/rail converters, large rectifiers) (IMAGADAH)

Keywords

• HVDC simulation services
• Real-time grid simulation
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Replica control systems
• Grid integration studies

Headquarters

HQ city

Perth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ofgem Network Innovation Funding: The National HVDC Centre is an Ofgem funded state-of-the-art simulation and training facility established to support all HVDC schemes connecting to the GB grid. The Centre operates under Ofgem's Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) frameworks.
2. Training Services: General HVDC training for project teams through to detailed training of Operational Engineers, using practical experience and simulated scenarios. Course offerings include 'Introduction to HVDC and Project De-Risking' and RTDS training.
3. Replica Hosting and Support Services: Services including support in specifying and procuring replicas, hosting replica projects long-term at the Centre, and ongoing technical support for asset owners.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The National HVDC Centre is an Ofgem-funded real-time simulation and training facility that provides services to de-risk the deployment and operation of HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) schemes connecting to the Great Britain grid. It delivers Replica Services (duplicate HVDC converter control systems for testing), Operational Support Services (fault diagnosis, return-to-service, and maintenance rehearsal), HVDC Training Courses, and Grid Integration and Interactions Studies using RTDS real-time digital simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Product overview

The National HVDC Centre is an Ofgem-funded simulation and training facility providing specialised HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) services to de-risk projects and ensure grid integrity. The core offerings consist of Replica Services (duplicate HVDC converter control systems for testing and training), HVDC Training Courses, Grid Integration and Interactions Studies, and Operational Support Services. These are supplemented by an extensive portfolio of innovation projects including Aquila Interoperability Package, BLADE (black start from offshore wind), Network DC Circuit Breakers, FAST DC, Project LENS (Great Britain network simulator), INSIGHT, SETTLE, PROMOTioN, MTTE, and various converter modelling initiatives. The Centre also maintains a library of technical reports, publications, and hosts the annual HVDC Operators' Forum.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Operational Support Services Diagnostic and resolution services for HVDC link alarms and faults during operation, including return-to-service assistance, operator training, maintenance outage rehearsal, and support for control hardware and software changes.
• Replica Services (HVDC Control System Replicas) Duplicates of physical control systems for HVDC Converter Stations that de-risk deployment and operation by enabling pre-commissioning testing, operator training, fault investigation, and validation of upgrades in a safe environment. Replicas provide long-term reliable and accurate representation of an HVDC link independent of supplier and simulation software.
• HVDC Training Courses Training programmes covering HVDC technologies, project lifecycles, and simulation-based risk mitigation for engineers, researchers, and policy makers, including general HVDC training for project teams and detailed training of Operational Engineers using practical experience and simulated scenarios.
• Grid Integration and Interactions Studies Real-time simulation studies to de-risk control interactions between converters and with other active controlled equipment, assessing compliance and integration challenges for HVDC schemes connecting to the GB grid.

Quantifiable outcome

• De-risks HVDC deployment and significantly reduces asset downtime through pre-commissioning testing and post-commissioning support
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• SuperGrid InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National HVDC Centre is one of 14 partners contributing to the Horizon Europe HVDC-WISE project. SuperGrid Institute based in Lyon, France coordinates the project focused on developing reliability and resilience oriented planning and analysis tools for HVDC grids. The HVDC Centre leads Work Package 2 and is involved in Work Package 7 using real-time simulation facilities to validate new control and protection concepts.
• University of StrathclydecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration on multiple innovation projects including Developing Open-Source Converter Models, Stability Assessment and Mitigation of Converter Interactions, INSIGHT project, and BLADE project. The partnership has produced IEEE journal publications on MMC impedance modelling and HVDC converter interactions.
• National Grid Electricity System OperatorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on TOTEM project (NIA) led by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission along with SPEN and National Grid Electricity Transmission. The project builds GB reference models for EMT analysis using PSCAD. Also partner in INSIGHT project for oscillation monitoring and mitigation.
• GE VernovacoreTechnology or IntegrationMajor manufacturer partner in Project Aquila providing IP-protected black-box converter models for multi-vendor multi-terminal interoperability testing. GE Vernova participates in the GB HVDC Interoperability Expert Working Group alongside other major manufacturers.
• Mitsubishi ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturer partner in Project Aquila interoperability package providing converter models for testing. Also collaborated on PROMOTioN project for HVDC circuit breaker testing with physical IED from Mitsubishi.
• Hitachi EnergycoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturer partner in Project Aquila providing converter station models for multi-vendor multi-terminal interoperability studies and participating in the GB HVDC Interoperability Expert Working Group.
• Siemens EnergycoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturer partner in Project Aquila contributing to the GB HVDC Interoperability Expert Working Group and providing converter models for interoperability testing.
• SP Energy Networks TransmissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead applicant for BLADE (Black Start from Offshore Wind) SIF project. The National HVDC Centre is responsible for identifying key risks, opportunities and options for black start of coordinated offshore networks as part of the consortium.
• Carbon TruststrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in BLADE project for Black Start from Offshore Wind and SIF HVDC Wind Connect project focused on advancing novel HVDC system approaches for offshore wind integration.
• RTDS Technologies Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationProvider of RTDS (Real Time Digital Simulator) technology used at the National HVDC Centre for real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation studies. Partnership enables the Centre's core simulation capabilities.
• Manitoba Hydro InternationalstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExpert collaboration on Protection Performance Overview and Validation project, bringing world-leading experience in protection, HVDC and operation of grids with low short circuit strength for evaluation of protection relays.
• RTE InternationalstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership on COMPOSITE Testing project for HVDC-connected offshore wind farms. RTEi and HVDC Centre have unique international experience of undertaking HVDC de-risking studies involving replica control and protection equipment from different manufacturers.
• National Grid ESOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead partner in Distributed ReStart NIC project exploring use of distributed energy resources for transmission network restoration. HVDC Centre supported hardware-in-loop testing for black start scenarios.
• GE DigitalstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartner in Distributed ReStart project for design, prototyping and testing of a control system (DRZC) to manage distribution restoration zones during black start conditions.
• Imperial College LondonstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in SETTLE project developing new methods to detect, trace and manage inverter-based oscillations to enhance power system stability and reliability.
• BVM SystemsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner in SETTLE project alongside SSEN Transmission, Imperial College London, and University of Strathclyde.
• SuperGrid InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on SPRINT (Superconducting fault current limiters) SIF Discovery project investigating SFCL technology for HVDC networks, improving fault management and system stability.
• University of EdinburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Network DC Circuit Breakers project leading on modelling and simulation of DCCBs, working closely with the HVDC Centre to derive technical specifications and testing requirements. Also partner in FAST DC project for advanced DCCB functionalities.
• European PROMOTioN ConsortiumstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National HVDC Centre is one of 33 consortia partners from 11 countries in the Horizon 2020 PROMOTioN project, working on meshed HVDC offshore grids protection, DC circuit breakers, and HVDC network control systems.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Hitachi Energy: Hitachi Energy is a global supplier of HVDC converter stations and grid integration technology, and a partner in Project Aquila. While a manufacturer rather than a test facility, it is comparable as a stakeholder in the HVDC ecosystem that could compete with or substitute for some of the Centre's services through in-house testing capabilities.
• GE Vernova: GE Vernova is a major HVDC equipment manufacturer and a current partner in Project Aquila. While primarily a manufacturer, GE Vernova's GridOS and broader digital grid portfolio positions it as a potential competitor in simulation and grid integration services, complementary to the Centre's mandate.

Broad incumbents

• CESI: CESI is a global testing, certification, and engineering services firm for the power sector, with HVDC system studies and laboratory capabilities. Comparable as a long-established independent testing and engineering body serving transmission utilities worldwide.
• KEMA Labs (DNV): DNV's KEMA Labs operate the world's largest independent testing facilities for power equipment, including HVDC components. While KEMA's scope is broader (covering transformers, cables, switchgear testing), its independent testing and certification role mirrors the National HVDC Centre's mandate as a neutral, third-party HVDC testing authority.

Direct peers

• RTDS Technologies: Provider of the Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) technology that the National HVDC Centre relies on. RTDS Technologies is the global supplier of real-time digital simulation hardware used for HVDC hardware-in-the-loop testing, making it the most directly comparable technology partner to the Centre's core service offering.
• Powertech Labs: Powertech Labs is a Canadian independent testing, research, and engineering firm for the electricity sector, with capabilities in HVDC system studies and grid integration testing. Comparable as an independent transmission-focused testing and research facility serving utility customers.
• Manitoba Hydro International: Manitoba Hydro International provides consulting, training, and simulation services for HVDC and power systems, and is a current partner of the National HVDC Centre on Protection Performance and validation projects. Comparable as a specialist provider of HVDC expertise and simulation-based testing services.
• STRI (Swedish Transmission Research Institute): STRI is an independent power system testing and research institute providing HVDC and FACTS testing, simulation, and training services to transmission operators and manufacturers. Highly comparable as a national-level, independent HVDC and power systems testing facility serving the Nordic transmission industry.
• SuperGrid Institute: SuperGrid Institute is a France-based research and innovation centre focused on HVDC and DC grid technologies, and a current Horizon Europe HVDC-WISE project partner with the National HVDC Centre. It provides HVDC testing, modelling, and R&D services, making it a strong direct peer in the European HVDC research ecosystem.

Regional players

• RTE International: RTE International is the consulting arm of French TSO RTE, providing grid studies, HVDC integration expertise, and testing services. A current COMPOSITE testing project partner with the National HVDC Centre, comparable as a TSO-affiliated specialist offering HVDC de-risking studies internationally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HVDC_Centre_GB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-national-hvdc-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The National HVDC Centre