Introduction: The scope of the work is to increase the quantity and quality of available information on the condition and maintenance requirements of the critical HVDC assets.

Objectives:

The objectives of the work is as follows:

• Improve accuracy and detail of information available on the condition of the HVDC networks
   
• Increase ability to carry out preventative maintenance
   
• Reduce the number of cable and insulation failures and as a result the outages and downtime
   
• Allow more accurate determination of where the faults in the cables have occurred and thus reduce costs of repairs.

Expected Benefits: This project will be deemed successful if the maintenance costs can be reduced and the reliability of the supply of electricity increased so as to reduce the cost and for UK consumers and the quantity of maintenance trips required.

The project will help inform both National Grid and Scottish Power about the appropriate level of electrical condition monitoring technology required for the proposed Westernlink subsea HVDC interconnector.