GE Vernova Meets HVDC Tech Demand by Expanding Facilities
GE Vernova has disclosed plans to broaden its manufacturing base in Stafford, UK — a move propelled by the rising need for High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) systems.
This technology is vital for the UK's shift towards renewable energy and powering sustainable energy solutions across Europe, North America and Asia.
The expansion zeroes in on two pivotal locations within GE Vernova's Electrification Systems’ Grid Solutions sector: its HVDC facility at Redhill and the Stafford Transformer Facility at Lichfield.
HVDC and transformer advancements
At Redhill, the plan is to enhance valve production capabilities twofold, through the addition of a new Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) valve assembly line. These valves, pivotal for the efficient conveyance of power from offshore wind farms and other green energy sources to the grid, are described as the system's 'heart'.
Meanwhile, the Lichfield site, unique in its magnitude for grid manufacturing within the UK, is set to undergo significant upgrades. These improvements aim at increasing the production capacity for HVDC converter transformers, devices critical to the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. Recently, transformers from this facility were installed in the North Sea, aiding the 1.4 GW Sofia Offshore Wind Farm.
"Helping our customers deliver sustainable, affordable and reliable energy to people worldwide is central to GE Vernova’s mission," says Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business.
"By expanding our Stafford operations, we are strengthening our ability to support the energy transition in the UK and the rest of the world and creating new jobs as a result.”
New jobs for skilled engineers and manufacturing workers
This development signifies GE Vernova's second significant investment in the Stafford facility following the 2018 construction of advanced HVDC valve and control system testing facilities, positioning it as a leader in HVDC system testing and validation for projects across Europe and beyond.
The expansion is anticipated to generate approximately 600 new jobs in the UK between 2023 and the close of 2025, encompassing roles for engineers and skilled craftspeople to facilitate the valves' testing and assembly processes.
Beyond technological advancements, GE Vernova is playing a pivotal role in the electrification of industries worldwide and in showcasing how the green energy transition can foster new manufacturing job opportunities. This comes at a time where discussions on the employment impact of the green energy transition are top of the bill, highlighted by the recent job losses following the closure of Port Talbot Steelworks.
Empowering Europe's greener future
With three manufacturing sites in Stafford, including the discussed HVDC and Transformer facilities as well as a Grid Automation setup at Redhill, GE Vernova is reinforcing Stafford's role as a key hub for clean energy technology production, servicing both local and international energy demands.
For instance, the company recently secured a contract to provide HVDC systems for five offshore wind projects for TenneT, representing a significant contribution to the Dutch-German Transmission System Operator’s aim of connecting 40GW of offshore wind farms to the high voltage grids of the Netherlands and Germany.
Notably, the Stafford facilities are poised to manufacture the valves and transformers for these projects, underscoring its strategic importance in the broader renewable energy transition narrative.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Energy Digital Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
Energy Digital is a BizClik brand.