Overview
IEC TR 63179:2026 - Planning of HVDC Systems is a Technical Report published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This document provides essential guidance for utilities, transmission planners, and engineers involved in the planning phase of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems. It addresses both line-commutated converters (LCC), voltage sourced converters (VSC), and combinations thereof, covering point-to-point links, back-to-back configurations, and serving as a reference for DC grid (multi-terminal HVDC) systems.
The report outlines general criteria for selecting HVDC versus AC transmission, sets out planning objectives, defines procedures for preliminary system design, and presents methods for technical and economic comparison amongst solution options. IEC TR 63179:2026 supports making well-informed decisions for projects ranging from interconnection of asynchronous power systems to bulk transmission over long distances and integration of renewable energy sources.
Key Topics
Decision Guidance: HVDC vs AC
- Evaluates network requirements, transmission needs, operation, and maintenance aspects.
- Helps planners understand contexts where HVDC is preferable (e.g., asynchronous network interconnection, long cable routes, stability enhancement).
Transmission Scheme Planning
- Provides processes for preliminary definition of transmission scheme:
- Selecting converter type (LCC or VSC)
- Determining key parameters (nominal power, voltage, current)
- Assessing system topologies (monopole, bipole, symmetric, rigid, etc.)
Grid Stability and System Analysis
- Introduces methods for grid stability assessment in connection with HVDC links:
- Static, transient, and dynamic analyses
- Special considerations for interaction with weak AC networks or embedded HVDC systems
Technical-Economic Comparison
- Guides users in cost evaluation:
- Station and line costs, O&M, upgrades, losses, and decommissioning
- Consideration of long-term network development and breakeven distance
Objectives and Planning Procedures
- Recommends stepwise processes:
- High-level solution comparison
- Technical and economic screening of alternatives
- Security of supply and stability verification
- Solution recommendation and documentation
Applications
IEC TR 63179:2026 is instrumental for stakeholders in:
- Planning new interconnections between asynchronous grids, such as cross-border or regional links
- Integration of offshore resources (e.g., wind farms) into mainland grids via HVDC
- Upgrading or expanding transmission networks with long or heavily loaded lines
- Comparative feasibility studies between AC and HVDC technologies for bulk power transport
- Reference framework for multi-terminal HVDC and evolving DC grid projects
Practical value:
- Supports robust technical and financial decision-making for electricity transmission projects.
- Increases grid reliability and performance through improved planning and stability analysis.
- Optimizes infrastructure investment by enabling fair comparison and selection of technology and topology.
Related Standards
For planning, terminology, equipment selection, and network integration, see also:
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IEC 60633: High-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission - Vocabulary
Essential definitions related to HVDC system components and operation.
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IEC 62747: Terminology for voltage-sourced converters (VSC) for HVDC systems
Terminology tailored to VSC-based HVDC system planning.
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IEC TR 63127: Guidance on selection of HVDC transmission for various applications
Additional guidance on preferred voltage and configuration ranges.
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IEC TS 63471: Preferred DC voltages for HVDC grid systems
Recommendations for DC grid applications within the framework of multi-terminal HVDC.
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IEC TS 62344: Guidelines for design and operation of earth electrodes in HVDC systems
Important for planning monopole or bipole systems with earth return.
These standards and technical reports provide a comprehensive toolbox for professionals involved in the design, specification, and planning of HVDC transmission systems in the context of modern power grids.
Keywords: HVDC system planning, high-voltage direct current, line-commutated converter, voltage sourced converter, LCC, VSC, AC vs HVDC comparison, grid stability, DC grid, IEC standards, transmission planning, converter selection, economic analysis, utility planning.