Grid stability and resilience |
National Grid ESO’s inertia initiative: an update
A number of synchronous condenser and flywheel projects initiated in January 2020 as a result of the National Grid ESO’s Stability Pathfinder have come to fruition, with more to follow
The NOA (Network Options Assessment) Stability Pathfinder – an initiative of National Grid ESO (the GB electricity system operator) – aims to find the most cost-effective ways to address stability issues in the electricity system created, in particular, by reduced inertia due to the decline in transmission-connected synchronous generation. It consists of three phases:
● Phase 1. Following the award of 12 contracts to five organisations in January 2020 covering a range of new-build synchronous condenser systems and repurposed generators, several of these units have now started to support the electricity system. Over the coming months, the remaining facilities will enter operation.
● Phase 2. The next phase of the Stability Pathfinder is looking for sources of additional inertia, short circuit level and dynamic voltage across Scotland. NG ESO reports good progress, with explorations of how possible solutions could work and consultations. The commercial submission window was open until 14 January 2022 for proposals that had already successfully completed the feasibility study stage.
In early March, successful tenderers will be awarded contracts, or in the case of
Above: Cruachan (Drax)
transmission operators, they’ll be asked to deliver the proposed solutions from September 2022 onwards.
There has been interest from providers of a range of technologies, including synchronous condensers, grid forming converters (an
emerging technology that allows solar and other inverter-based energy sources to restart the grid independently) and hybrid solutions.
● Phase 3. On 20 December, the invitation to tender for phase 3 was launched, again looking for additional inertia, short circuit level and dynamic voltage, but across specific locations in England and Wales. This is a one stage tender, where both technical and commercial proposals will be submitted by the deadline of 16 May, with the expectation that technologies will be similar to those seen in Phase 2. Phase 3 contracts will be awarded later in 2022, with
Left: Welsh Power’s Rassau synchronous condenser/flywheel facility under construction
Below: Siemens Energy synchronous condenser and flywheel
20 | January/February 2022|
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