Why Gridwise Consulting
Gridwise Consulting delivers independent, senior-level expertise in HVDC control and protection for critical transmission projects worldwide.
Clients choose Gridwise when project risk is high, system behaviour must be fully understood, and decisions must be technically sound and defensible. With hands-on experience across some of the world’s most complex HVDC schemes, Gridwise bridges the gap between theoretical design and real-world grid operation.
Gridwise Consulting provides senior-level advisory and engineering services in High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) control and protection systems. The company was founded to support utilities, OEMs, and project developers in delivering complex HVDC projects with confidence, technical clarity, and reduced delivery risk.
With experience spanning some of the world’s most demanding HVDC schemes, Gridwise brings deep practical knowledge, not generic consultancy. Every engagement is grounded in hands-on engineering, proven methodologies, and a strong understanding of how HVDC systems behave in the real grid.
What defines us
Global Project Experience
Gridwise Consulting brings direct experience from HVDC projects across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Asia and North America. This international exposure ensures a strong understanding of diverse grid codes, operating philosophies, and project execution models – from early design through commissioning.
Advanced Modeling & Simulation Capability
HVDC performance is validated long before energisation. Gridwise applies advanced modeling and simulation techniques to ensure control and protection strategies are robust, stable and fit for porpuse:
- Model-in-the-Loop (MIL)
- Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)
- Laboratory and factory testing support.
These tools allow early risk identification, faster troubleshooting, and smoother commissioning.
Control & Protection Specialist
Gridwise Consulting focused specifically on HVDC control and protection systems – not general power engineering. This specialist focus enables:
- High-quality requirement specifications.
- Robust control architectures.
- Well – structured, testable software designs.
- Effective tuning and validation.
Clients benefit from expert-level insight into the most critical and complex part of any HVDC scheme.
Independent, Reliable & Transparent Advisory
As an indepent consultancy, Gridwise provides objective technical advice, free from vendor or product bias. Clients rely on Gridwise for:
- Honest technical assessments.
- Clear, defensible recommendations.
- Practical solutions aligned with project realities.
Technologies covered
Gridwise Consulting supports projects across the full range of HVDC technologies and system configurations:
- Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC.
- Voltage Source Converter (VSC) HVDC.
- Bipolar HVDC Systems.
- Back-to-Back HVDC Schemes.
- Multi-Terminal DC Architectures.
This breadth of expertise allows Gridwise to support both conventional and cutting-edge HVDC projects, from grid interconnections to renewable integrations and bulk power transmission.
What defines us
Global Project Experience
Gridwise Consulting brings direct experience from HVDC projects across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Asia and North America. This international exposure ensures a strong understanding of diverse grid codes, operating philosophies, and project execution models – from early design through commissioning.
Advanced Modeling & Simulation Capability
HVDC performance is validated long before energisation. Gridwise applies advanced modeling and simulation techniques to ensure control and protection strategies are robust, stable and fit for porpuse:
- Model-in-the-Loop (MIL)
- Software-in-the-Loop (SIL)
- Laboratory and factory testing support.
These tools allow early risk identification, faster troubleshooting, and smoother commissioning.
Control & Protection Specialist
Gridwise Consulting focused specifically on HVDC control and protection systems – not general power engineering. This specialist focus enables:
- High-quality requirement specifications.
- Robust control architectures.
- Well – structured, testable software designs.
- Effective tuning and validation.
Clients benefit from expert-level insight into the most critical and complex part of any HVDC scheme.
Independent, Reliable & Transparent Advisory
As an indepent consultancy, Gridwise provides objective technical advice, free from vendor or product bias. Clients rely on Gridwise for:
- Honest technical assessments.
- Clear, defensible recommendations.
- Practical solutions aligned with project realities.
Technologies covered
Gridwise Consulting supports projects across the full range of HVDC technologies and system configurations:
- Line-Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC.
- Voltage Source Converter (VSC) HVDC.
- Bipolar HVDC Systems.
- Back-to-Back HVDC Schemes.
- Multi-Terminal DC Architectures.
This breadth of expertise allows Gridwise to support both conventional and cutting-edge HVDC projects, from grid interconnections to renewable integrations and bulk power transmission.
Project Experience
GCCIA Back-to-Back HVDC
HVDC interconnection enabling asynchronous operation across six national grids.
Nominal Power: 3 x 600 MW.
Champa HVDC Project
1,300km ± 800kV HVDC transmission system.
Rated Power: 6.000MW.
South West Link HVDC
VSC-based HVDC link reinforcing the Swedish transmissions system.
Rated Power: 2x700MW.
Rio Madeira HVDC
One of the world’s longest HVDC systems (2,416km) supporting large-scale hydro generation.
Rated Power: 3.150MW (GE bipole)
Lower Churchill Project
HVDC transmission enabling power export from Labrador to Newfoundland.
Rated Power: 900MW.
Buk-Dangjin - Godeok HVDC
Underground HVDC transmission link with advanced control requirements.
Rated Power: 3.030MW.
A Trusted Partner
Hands-on engineering experience
Deep HDCV control and protection expertise
Global project exposure
Independent technical judgement
This makes Gridwise a trusted parther for clients who require precision, reliability and proven competence in the delivery of HVDC systems.
Ismael Padrón
Founder & Principal Consultant
Education
- Ingeniero Industrial, Electrónica y Automoción (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)
- Ingeniero Técnico Industrial, Electrónica y Electricidad (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaraia)
Professional Experience
Senior Systems Engineer – HVDC Control & Protection GE GRID Solutions
Abril 2016 – November 2024 | Stafford, United Kingdom
Over eight years of experience in the definition, design, implementation and validation of HVDC control and protection systems for large-scale transmission projects worldwide.
Key Responsabilities
| System requirement specification. | Control and protection architecture definition. |
| Software design and development (C, UML, MATLAB/Simulink). | Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) validation. |
| Laboratory and factory testing. | Technical documentation (FST, FAT, validation reports). |
| HVDC technical training for customers and projects teams. | |
Education
- System requirement specification.
- Control and protection architecture definition.
- Software design and development (C, UML, MATLAB/Simulink).
- Model-in-the-Loopo (MiL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) validation.
- Laboratory and factory testing.
- Technical documentation (FST, FAT, validation reports).
- HVDC technical training for customers and projects teams.