Course in Planning International Interconnections
Online course of 300 h in planning international interconnections. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2022/869 (trans-European energy infrastructure), Regulation (EU) 2019/943 (internal electricity market) and PSS/E. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the role of interconnections in the European internal electricity market.
Carry out load flow, contingency and stability studies of interconnection corridors.
Calculate cross-border exchange capacities using NTC and flow-based methods.
Apply the ENTSO-E cost-benefit methodology to interconnection projects.
Carry out preliminary sizing of onshore and subsea AC and HVDC links.
Identify the permitting, financing and regulatory requirements of cross-border projects.
Prepare the technical and economic proposal for an international interconnection.
Who it's for
- Transmission network planning engineer who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Electricity market analyst who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Interconnection project consultant who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Power systems studies specialist who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Energy infrastructure project manager who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Energy regulation technician who wants to specialise in International Interconnection Planning.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter electricity transmission.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2022/869 (trans-European energy infrastructure)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/943 (internal electricity market)
- Regulation (EU) 2015/1222 (capacity allocation and congestion management)
- Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 (transmission system operation)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/1447 (HVDC network code)
- Directive (EU) 2019/944 (common rules for the internal market)
- Espoo Convention (transboundary environmental impact)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Synchronism between control areas1.2Transfer capacity and NTC1.315 % interconnection target1.4Market coupling SDAC and SIDC1.5Congestion rents and their allocation1.6AC interconnections versus HVDC links1.7Projects of Common Interest1.8Role of ENTSO-E and ACER1.9Interconnections of the Iberian Peninsula1.10Case study: the Bay of Biscay link
2.1Load flows in horizon scenarios2.2N-1 contingency analysis2.3Transient and small-signal stability2.4Inter-area oscillations between synchronous systems2.5Short-circuit and the interconnection's contribution2.6Flow-based capacity calculation2.7Voltage and reactive power coordination2.8Common grid models CGM2.9Planning study tools2.10Laboratory: load flow with contingencies in PSS/E
3.1ENTSO-E CBA methodology3.2Calculation of socio-economic welfare3.3Integration of renewable energy3.4CO2 emissions reduction3.5Security of supply and adequacy3.6Zonal market simulation3.7TYNDP scenarios3.8Sensitivity analysis3.9Cross-border cost allocation CBCA3.10Practical: simplified CBA of an interconnection
4.1Voltage and capacity selection4.2Onshore and subsea routing4.3Seabed and route surveys4.4Selection of converters and cables4.5Losses and link efficiency4.6Converter stations and connection4.7Reliability and availability4.8CAPEX and OPEX estimation4.9Engineering schedule4.10Workshop: preliminary sizing of a subsea link
5.1TEN-E Regulation and Union lists5.2Cross-border environmental impact assessment5.3Coordinated permit procedures5.4Regulated remuneration of the transmission system operator5.5Connecting Europe Facility financing5.6EPC contracts and interface risks5.7Agreements between transmission system operators5.8Public participation and social acceptance5.9Geopolitical and security risk5.10Case study: the Peninsula–Balearics interconnection
6.1Identification of need6.2Scenarios and starting assumptions6.3Network studies of the chosen corridor6.4Conceptual technical design6.5Cost-benefit evaluation of the corridor6.6Permitting plan and timetable6.7Risk matrix6.8Conclusions and recommendations6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PLEXOS, Antares Simulator, PSCAD, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real contingency study procedures on European network models, cost-benefit analysis of interconnection projects and preliminary sizing of subsea links. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the role of interconnections in the European internal electricity market.
Carry out load flow, contingency and stability studies of interconnection corridors.
Calculate cross-border exchange capacities using NTC and flow-based methods.
Apply the ENTSO-E cost-benefit methodology to interconnection projects.
Carry out preliminary sizing of onshore and subsea AC and HVDC links.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to read technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The programme uses PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PLEXOS, Antares Simulator, PSCAD. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the open-source alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own-award diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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