GB voltage management project fortifies network resilience
The first in a series of projects to manage voltage levels across Great Britain’s electricity system has gone live, providing increased network resilience, reducing costs to consumers and lowering carbon emissions.
National Grid ESO’s Mersey Pathfinder aimed to find an economic “reactive power” solution to managing high overnight voltage in the Merseyside region of England, created when demand and flows on the transmission network are lower.
The Mersey Reactive Power solution comprises a shunt reactor, which absorbs reactive power to increase the efficiency of the network and manage high voltage levels.
Network solutions provider PeakGen’s 200-tonne reactor, sited at a private 400kV substation in Frodsham, Cheshire, needed a temporary military-style ‘Bailey bridge’ to be built across an active river to move it into position.
The 200MVAr reactor has now gone live after nearly two years in the making and will provide reactive power services to the ESO over the next 10 years.
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PeakGen was awarded the contract under the programme to solve the issue, which if left unmanaged could potentially cause electrical flashovers and damage equipment.
Julian Leslie, head of networks at National Grid ESO, stated: “We are delighted with the successful launch of the first of our voltage pathfinders in the Mersey region as part of our mission to provide a safe, reliable and greener electricity system which is fair for all.
“As we transition to using zero carbon energy sources and away from large fossil fuel generators, there is an ever increasing need to absorb reactive power and prevent high voltage levels.
“Solutions, such as those provided by PeakGen, improve system resilience and boost our plans to be able to operate a carbon-free grid by 2025 and reduce costs to consumers.”
Ian Graves, CEO at PeakGen, added: “This is a world-first project delivered by an independent business…We are thrilled with this landmark achievement, particularly during very challenging conditions. I hope it helps drive forward innovation and cheaper solutions to realise a more affordable and sustainable energy supply for all.”
According to National Grid ESO, reactive power services have traditionally been provided by large fossil fuel plants, such as coal and gas.
This announcement comes as new sources and providers of reactive power are needed due to the transition to low and zero carbon energy sources.
