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Press Release04 May 2021Siemens EnergyMunich
Siemens Energy’s grid stabilizer technology to help Irish grid exceed renewables penetration limit
The
synchronous condenser, a key component of ESB’s Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint
project, will be the first in the country and incorporate the world’s largest
flywheel used for grid stability. The facility will enable an increased
integration of wind power into the Irish grid by providing sufficient inertia
for frequency support, short-circuit power for system strength and reactive
power for voltage control. Commissioning of the new plant is planned for
mid-2022.
Paul
Smith, Head of Asset Development at ESB Generation and Trading, welcomed the
announcement: “Due to the intermittency of wind energy in particular, grid
stabilization technologies have an increasingly important role in a successful
energy transition. We are pleased to bring forward the Moneypoint Synchronous
Compensator with flywheel as a cost effective and zero carbon solution in
strengthening the stability and resilience of the Irish grid. Siemens Energy
provided an optimum technical and competitive solution for Moneypoint in its
continuing key role in Ireland’s electricity system.”
Siemens
Energy will deliver the synchronous condenser system, providing engineering,
procurement, and construction. Key components are a control system which
optimally fits to the overlaying grid automation system, a synchronous
generator with circuit-breaker and a flywheel. In addition, Siemens Energy will
provide the preventive maintenance for ten years with remote diagnostics. The
synchronous condenser will, in turn, help management of Ireland’s transmission
system with a reduced dispatch of fossil fuel plant under constraints and
reduced costs of transmission operations.
“Synchronous condensers are an important
building block for mastering the transition to climate-neutral, CO2-free
power generation,” says Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission
at Siemens Energy. “We are proud that ESB has chosen us to build the first
system of this kind in Ireland. Our solution will provide the maximum possible
inertia and reactive power to stabilize the Irish grid, helping the country
press ahead with its ambitious plans for the expansion of renewable energies.”
Nick O’Mahony, Managing Director, Siemens
Energy, Ireland, added: “The energy transition is happening at pace and to make
sure the grid can keep up, we need to look at innovative solutions to keep the
grid stable. I’m delighted we have been able to support ESB with this project,
bringing this key technology to the country.”
With the
rising share of renewable power and the shutdowns of conventional plants,
synchronous condensers are playing an increasingly important role in the grid.
By means of the rotating mass of a conventional generator, the solution adjusts
conditions on the transmission grid, provides the necessary inertia to support
the grid frequency and short-circuit contribution while also providing or
absorbing reactive power. In addition, synchronous condensers can diversify
revenue for owners and operators while providing an important cash flow contribution.
The synchronous condenser, Siemens Energy will supply to ESB, will be the first in the country and incorporate the world’s largest flywheel used for grid stability. It will be a key component of ESB’s Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint project, an ambitious plan to transform the County Clare site into a green energy hub.
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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 more than 90,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around €27.5 billion in fiscal year 2020.