Wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems

The WindConnect (wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems) consortium unites leading experts from academia and industry across Europe, leveraging expertise in wind energy, power systems, power electronics, control engineering, artificial intelligence, and energy economics. This multidisciplinary collaboration addresses the pressing challenges of integrating wind energy into sector-coupled power systems including green hydrogen production, while ensuring grid stability, flexibility, and sustainability. Spanning 8 beneficiaries across 6 countries (Denmark, Germany, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK) and 12 prestigious associated partners across supply chain including Vestas, Ørsted, 50Hertz, GE, NESO, Fraunhofer, and SSE, WindConnect combines technical expertise and state-of-the-art experimental resources. WindConnect's research program addresses the design, modelling, control, and techno-economic optimization of wind turbines, wind farms, and hybrid power plants (HPPs). It will develop groundbreaking grid-forming technologies, AI-driven optimization for wind and green hydrogen integration, and create scalable solutions for HPP design and operation. Through this program, 15 Researchers will receive cutting-edge technical, entrepreneurial and soft-skill training, benefiting from industrial secondments, co-supervision, and access to a robust network of industrial partners and advanced experimental facilities. These efforts empower the next generation of highly skilled researchers and engineers, to drive technological innovation, enhancing energy security. With a strong track record of collaboration—including the successful MSCA ITN WinGrid project—the WindConnect is poised to make significant contributions to wind and hydrogen energy integration, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in green energy technologies, supporting its transition to a sustainable, decarbonized energy future and meeting its climate targets.