The training on "Introducing the HVDC Prototype, sharing information on the development and testing activities to be carried out" within the scope of the Project for the Development of Grid-Oriented Functions of the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Prototype was held on 26.11.2025. The training consisted of theoretical lectures at TÜBİTAK MAM Ankara Unit before noon and introduction of the components of the HVDA Prototype in the afternoon at Ankara Akyurt Transformer Center where the HVDA Prototype is installed.
Purpose and Scope of the Project
Developed within the scope of TÜBİTAK KAMAG 1007 Program, the prototype of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) based back-to-back HVDA system with a power of 9.5 MW and voltage level of 6 kV-AC and 11 kV-DC has been moved from the laboratory where it was developed to Ankara Akyurt transformer center, which has a suitable connection and load structure, in order to develop its functions for the electricity grid. Commissioning and development works have started for testing and experimentation together with TEİAŞ.
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems have an important place in modern electricity transmission due to their advantages over conventional alternating current transmission such as transmitting high powers over long distances with lower losses, no distance limit in underground/underwater cables and providing interconnection between networks that cannot be directly connected. It also acts as a firewall in interconnection, preventing faults from spreading between networks. For a sustainable future, alternating current and direct current systems must be used together. Power electronic converters linking these two systems offer more reliable voltage conversion, power flow control, power quality improvement and fault protection thanks to advances in semiconductor technology.
Future Vision
Turkey needs to integrate the use of HVDC-HVDC technologies into the electricity grid in line with its goal of creating a highly efficient, sustainable and reliable infrastructure for energy transmission. In line with the Renewable Energy 2035 targets announced by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in 2024, in order to create 14,700 km HVDC line and 40 HVDC Converter Center infrastructures for the 40 GW HVDC corridor, the first step is the specification of 2GW VSC-based bipole converter and ±525 kV HVDC transmission line.
