GE Vernova has inaugurated a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Competence Center in Berlin, Germany, designed to develop cutting-edge electricity transmission technology and support Europe’s decarbonization goals.

This new center in Berlin will dedicate itself to researching and testing HVDC systems, enabling the large-scale transmission of electricity from renewable energy installations, such as offshore wind farms, to consumption centers. By facilitating the connection of HVDC links and integrating renewable electricity into the grid, the center will help Germany and other European countries meet their clean energy targets.

According to the company, the opening of this center will not only strengthen GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems business in the region, but will also create 500 highly skilled jobs, positioning Berlin as a key hub in the modernization of electrical grids necessary for a greener, more electrified Europe.

HVDC technology is critical for the efficient long-distance transmission of energy and for integrating renewable energy into the power grid. Philippe Piron, CEO of GE Vernova’s Electrification Systems, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating that "the future is electric, and electrification is essential to achieve a net-zero future. This investment reinforces our commitment to modernizing energy systems and supporting the energy transition in Germany and Europe."

GE Vernova’s expansion in Berlin will generate employment for engineers, project managers, and technical support staff, with a positive impact on the local economy. With over 60 positions currently open and plans to increase hiring in the coming years, the Berlin center will not only be a pillar of innovation in transmission technology, but will also contribute to the labor and economic growth of the region.
Supporting Germany and Europe’s energy goals

The opening of this HVDC center coincides with Germany’s ambitious roadmap to achieve at least 80% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.

To meet this goal, the country will need a robust and resilient grid infrastructure. GE Vernova is actively collaborating with German Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and participating in strategic projects, such as the 2 GW HVDC offshore transmission system in collaboration with TenneT in Germany and the Netherlands. These alliances aim to strengthen the energy infrastructure to ensure a clean and reliable electricity supply.

Additionally, GE Vernova has signed an innovation agreement with four German operators to design a multiterminal HVDC grid, a project that represents a significant step forward in the development of a high-voltage grid in Europe and will be actively supported by the HVDC Competence Center.

Commitment to the global energy transition

To celebrate the opening of the HVDC Competence Center, GE Vernova organized an event that included an open dialogue on the current challenges of the power grid, with experts from the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Senate of Economic Affairs, Energy, and Public Enterprises. The event discussed the challenges and opportunities in the energy sector in Germany, with a focus on the role of HVDC technology in achieving a more sustainable and reliable electricity supply.
GE Vernova’s expansion in Berlin strengthens its role as a leader in the electrification and modernization of energy systems, supporting both Germany’s national goals and Europe’s decarbonization efforts.