As the world prepares for an energy transition towards the low carbon economy, the share of renewables in the fuel mix is expected to grow strongly over the next decades. Smart grids and super grids are essential for the further development of the world’s future energy system. In November 2012, DNV KEMA announced a EUR 70 million investment into expansion of its High-Power Laboratory to create the first laboratory in the world in the extreme testing segment for the upcoming market for super grids.
“There is a global need for extra capacity and modernization of electricity infrastructure to meet the growing electricity demand. By opening up a strategic research unit for smart grids and super grids in Arnhem, DNV is preparing the practices and tools we need to meet the growing demand as well as facilitate the integration of large-scale renewable energy to the grids,” Bjørn Haugland announced.
The success of the transition towards a sustainable energy system depends to a large extend on how the existing and new energy systems fit together. Generating power from renewable sources differs substantially from power generation from conventional sources. Dominant forms of renewables such as wind and solar power are highly intermittent, so the need for more sophisticated power infrastructure and control systems is apparent. The call from different stakeholders in the global energy sector for grid flexibility and enabling power transport and distribution technologies, such as energy storage, smart grids and the expansion of the infrastructure with ultra high-voltage lines is evident, as they enable the energy transition.
Facilitation of the different energy sources to the grid requires significant investments in knowledge development, testing, and in setting up trial projects. The strategic research unit in Arnhem is set up to translate research knowledge into practical solutions and provide results to make the right decisions. As one of the very few companies in the world, DNV covers the entire energy chain both in breath and the depth.
“There are 2300 energy experts in DNV. With the establishment of the strategic research unit in Arnhem, we will be able to capitalize on all this expertise and experience. We will also invite external parties to work with us so that we together can create opportunities. As far as known, this is the only research center in the world that concentrates on smart grids and super grids exclusively,” says Theo Bosma, head of DNV Research & Innovation in Arnhem.
Research & Innovation in DNV
Research and innovation is a cornerstone in DNV and a key competitive factor that enables us to be on the forefront of new technological developments and provide high quality services to our customers.
DNV invests 6% of its revenue in research and development activities. 1% of the revenue is dedicated to strategic research with a long-term focus. A key aspect of the strategic research is to identify main technology and risk management trends. Another is to develop new competences and services for the future.
In DNV we firmly believe that technology is a vital part of the solution for many of the global challenges facing us today. We are pleased to offer our technical capabilities, research and innovation to ensure a steady course towards a safe and sustainable future.
