Siemens Energy combines synchronous condenser and battery tech to stabilise Irish grid

To stabilise the grid as demand surges, Siemens Energy will deliver what they are calling the first-ever hybrid grid stabilisation and large-scale battery storage plant at Shannonbridge in Ireland.

This is the first time, said the energy major, that these two technologies have been combined into one, single grid connection to stabilise the grid and make better use of renewable energy.

Siemens Energy’s responsibilities encompass the synchronous condenser, including the flywheel, which will provide approximately 4,000MW of inertia to the system.

Additionally, they are tasked with managing the large-scale battery energy storage system with a capacity of roughly 160MWh, power conversion systems, energy management systems and medium voltage equipment.

The project is expected to generate around €85 million ($89.9 million) for Siemens Energy and work is already underway at the site.

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A ‘rotating mass’

The synchronous condenser technology utilises a generator connected to a flywheel, which Siemens Energy is calling a big ‘rotating mass’.

The setup stores energy and offers power reserve capabilities, promptly compensating for frequency fluctuations and strengthening the grid’s stability.

Simultaneously, a sizable battery energy storage system is in place to store or discharge excess renewable energy when required, maximising renewable energy utilisation, even during periods of low wind.

With a capacity of approximately 160MWh, the battery energy storage can cater to the energy needs of around 9,500 households for a full day.

“Innovative technical solutions are essential if we are to combat the consequences of climate change and transition to a net-zero grid,” stated Tim Holt, member of the managing board of Siemens Energy.

“By combining our proven experience in grid technology and our ability to innovate, the Shannonbridge hybrid solution will help ramp-up renewables by offering storage and stabilization technology in one connection.”

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Shannonbridge BESS and the Irish grid

The Shannonbridge battery project, located in County Offaly, Ireland, was announced in September 2022, as the result of a collaboration between South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Energy and Irish project developer Lumcloon Energy.

The pairing with a synchronous condenser was announced at the same time, with Siemens Energy now winning the tender, providing the grid stabilisation services to the country’s transmission system operator, EirGrid.

Ireland is striving to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and reduce emissions by 51% by the end of the decade. Part of the strategy sees an increased reliance on renewable energy sources, resulting in exponential growth in demand on the grid, in part also due to its global digital and data hosting industry.

Thus, achieving Ireland’s climate targets will require massive investment in energy infrastructure and a shift towards flexible technologies.

Under the existing market mechanism in Ireland, operators can sell services such as inertia, short-circuit power and reactive power, facilitated by the synchronous condenser technology, to EirGrid.