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Siemens Energy technology stabilizes
German power grid
The German-Dutch grid operator TenneT has commissioned Siemens Energy to supply three grid
stabilization systems for the German power grid. Such solutions are necessary because conventional
power plants not only generate electricity but also automatically stabilize the grid (via their physical
behavior). As more and more conventional power plants are taken off the grid and replaced by
electricity from decentralized renewable energy sources as part of the energy transition,
transmission system operators will have to find alternative solutions to transport more energy while
maintaining overall stability. Two of the three systems are synchronous condenser. A synchronous
condenser essentially consists of a generator and a flywheel. The generator sets the flywheel in
rotation. As a result, kinetic energy is stored that can then e.g. feed active power into the grid for
stabilization when needed. Siemens Energy will build the synchronous condenser in
Großkrotzenburg (Hesse) and Würgassen (North Rhine-Westphalia). TenneT is currently
modernizing the substation in Würgassen, followed by Großkrotzenburg in the next years, to make
them fit for the energy turnaround as important network hubs.
The German-Dutch grid operator TenneT has commissioned Siemens Energy to supply three grid
stabilization systems for the German power grid. Such solutions are necessary because conventional
power plants not only generate electricity but also automatically stabilize the grid (via their physical
behavior). As more and more conventional power plants are taken off the grid and replaced by
electricity from decentralized renewable energy sources as part of the energy transition,
transmission system operators will have to find alternative solutions to transport more energy while
maintaining overall stability. Two of the three systems are synchronous condenser. A synchronous
condenser essentially consists of a generator and a flywheel. The generator sets the flywheel in
rotation. As a result, kinetic energy is stored that can then e.g. feed active power into the grid for
stabilization when needed. Siemens Energy will build the synchronous condenser in
Großkrotzenburg (Hesse) and Würgassen (North Rhine-Westphalia). TenneT is currently
modernizing the substation in Würgassen, followed by Großkrotzenburg in the next years, to make
them fit for the energy turnaround as important network hubs.
Static Var Compensator Frequency Stabilizer
The third of the three solutions is a technological premiere: the world's first reactive power
compensation system with supercapacitors (Static Var Compensator Frequency Stabilizer; SVC PLUS
FS for short). It will use short-term storage in the form of supercapacitors. The supercapacitors are
able to counteract fluctuations in the grid frequency either by actively charging themselves for a
short time, thereby withdrawing up to 200 megawatts from the grid, or by feeding the stored
power into the grid. This enables the SVC PLUS FS to respond to fluctuations in the grid much more
quickly than conventional battery storage solutions. It also requires a third of the space. Siemens
Energy will build the solutions in Mehrum in Lower Saxony. This state produces by far the most
onshore wind energy in Germany, and here in particular, grid expansion is an important prerequisite
for a reliable power supply. The three systems are scheduled to be commissioned in 2025.
Tim Holt, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens Energy: "The
main strength of the European power grid is its resilience. It guarantees
security of supply, which also guarantees prosperity. To ensure that this
remains the case in the future, investments in grid stability are extremely
important. Here, too, there’s no time to lose, because the energy transition isn't
just a matter of replacing fossil fuels with renewables. Ultimately,
electricity also has to be reliably delivered to consumers' outlets. That's also
the motivation behind this project."
Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology,
such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs around 91,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of €28.5 billion in fiscal year 2021.