Current status and potential evolution of the external dimension of the Pan-European HVAC/HVDC transmission system

This paper provides an updated overview for the status and the potential evolution of the external dimension of the Pan-European High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) and High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission system. Specific attention is particularly paid to the recent extension of the synchronous zone of Continental Europe system to the grids of Baltic countries and Ukraine/Moldova. An overview of the regulation framework for cross-border trading of the European Union (EU) Member States with countries external to the European perimeter is also included. The main current, future and potential evolutions, which can contribute to the Pan-European HVAC/HVDC supergrid realisation process, are finally reported. A key role for the transmission network development within and across the Pan-European system is being and will be played by HVDC technology, in particular.