HVDC Sea Return Electrodes and Oil/Gas Infrastructures: Technical Challenges and Their Effective Mitigations

Abstract

Today, many important submarine HVDC links are being designed and commissioned all around the world. The use of Sea Return Electrodes is the cheapest option to manage many possible faults. However, over the last years, many areas of seas were exploited, and they are now concessions for exploration and production of oil&gas. Pipelines connecting extraction pits to the shore were installed, and offshore platforms are increasingly spreading. The interaction of such infrastructures with the dispersed current cannot be neglected, and suitable mitigation should be adopted, taking into account their cost and their effect.