DNV will open a new strategic research unit at DNV KEMA's global headquarters in Arnhem, the Netherlands, which will focus exclusively on the development of smart grids and super grids.
In November 2012, DNV KEMA announced a 70 million euro investment in the 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.
The success of the transition towards a sustainable energy system depends to a large extent 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.
“There are 2,300 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” says Theo Bosma, head of DNV Research & Innovation in Arnhem.
For more information, visit www.dnv.com.
