Siemens Energy will deliver a hybrid grid stabilisation and battery storage plant at Shannonbridge in Ireland.
This is the first time a synchronous condenser and battery have been combined into one, single grid connection to stabilise the grid and make better use of renewable energy, said the company.
The hybrid energy storage system will have a capacity of around 160 megawatt-hour.
Siemens Energy’s scope includes the synchronous condenser, including the flywheel which will deliver around 4000MW of inertia onto the system, and the large-scale battery energy storage system with around 160MWh as well as power conversion systems, energy management system and medium voltage equipment.
The order will generate around €85m for Siemens Energy and work has already begun on site.
The synchronous condenser technology uses a generator with a flywheel connected to create “rotating mass”.
With its stored energy, the synchronous condenser provides power reserve, which instantly compensates for frequency fluctuations and strengthens the stability of the grid.
At the same time, a large-scale battery energy storage system can store or release excess renewable energy when it is needed.
“Innovative technical solutions are essential if we are to combat the consequences of climate change and transition to a net-zero grid.
“Battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role in tomorrow’s global energy infrastructure,” said 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.”
Ireland aims to reach net-zero by 2050 and to reduce emissions by 51% by the end of the decade, so is significantly increasing use of renewable energy.
In addition to carbon emission reduction targets, the country is also experiencing significantly growing electricity demand, in part due to its global digital and data hosting industry.