Konti-Skan HVDC refurbishment and life extension methods for other HVDC projects

The paper describes the project to refurbish the Konti-Skan HVDC Link between Sweden and Denmark, which included the replacement of the existing Pole 1, and the addition of top level bipole controls for both the refurbished Pole 1 and the existing Pole 2. The complex project included working in 2 different countries with 2 different client utilities, each requiring different scopes and with 2 contracts each with their own currencies. The project scope included up-rating the converters to match the already upgraded DC line and cable conductor circuit. The paper covers the drivers which prompted the need for refurbishment and how it was justified, and then present the details of the project implementation and the in-service performance. The paper also briefly covers previously completed refurbishment and upgrade work on other HVDC projects around the world and known plans to refurbish, replace or even relocate presently operating HVDC projects.