The purpose of this PAS is to provide a guide for the design of electrode stations for HVDC links intended for ground return. This design guide was prepared by the CIGR? Working Group 14.21: HVDC Ground Electrode Design during the period 1995-1998. It is not the purpose of this report to provide detailed instructions on how to work out an HVDC link from the initial idea to final decisions on sites@ ratings@ constructional principles for converter stations and for connecting lines/cables. In the often hectic planning phase of a new link@ the main emphasis will be concentrated on converter stations and the line/cable@ while less attention is paid to a simultaneous evaluation of possible current return principles.