A synchronous condenser provides short-circuit power, inertia, and reactive power for dynamic loads. Inertia and short-circuit power are key elements of grid stability.
Siemens Energy has been awarded contracts by global energy company Uniper to provide rotating grid stabilization technology at two sites in the UK. This new technology will enable Uniper to deliver grid stability services to energy system operator National Grid ESO, through generating inertia which helps balance grid frequency, without generating power.
Siemens Energy will supply and install two new custom designed synchronous condenser units at Uniper’s Grain combined cycle power plant in Kent. At Killingholme in Lincolnshire, the two Siemens’ steam turbine generators will be repurposed to enable synchronous condenser operation.
All new units will be supplied with state-of-the-art, custom designed, Siemens Energy rotating machines, flywheel, and control systems and will use the existing grid connections at each site.
Siemens Energy supported Uniper with front end engineering design across both sites, to ensure a custom technology solution was provided, and will be responsible for installation and commissioning across both sites, with both projects due to be operational in 2021.
The services provided by Uniper under the Stability Pathfinder project will support National Grid ESO by helping balance the UK’s electricity system and help maintain the frequency at 50Hz.
“As the energy transition in Great Britain continues along a path toward a zero-carbon future, innovative products and solutions such as these are taking center-stage,” said Karim Amin, Executive Vice President, Generation, Siemens Energy. “And as GB’s electricity generation system moves to more decentralized, renewable power, projects like this which provide inertia without generating any power, will be even more important for the energy system of the future. We salute Uniper for their commitment to a more sustainable energy future.”
