Hitachi Energy has won an order from SP Energy Networks to design and deliver a so-called power quality solution that aims to balance the grid and boost the flow of renewables across the UK.
The solution will enable SP Energy Networks, the electricity network operator for Central & Southern Scotland and Merseyside, Cheshire, North & Mid-Wales and North Shropshire, to add more renewables into the grid and facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuels.
The project, located at SP Energy Networks’ substation at Eccles, consists of two sets of a STATCOM1 and a synchronous condenser, connected at a common electrical node. This combination of technologies will “maximise the future power system’s potential while also providing increased system resilience, thus supporting the increasing integration of renewables into the electricity grid”, said Hitachi.
“The innovative power quality solution will increase the transfer capacity across the UK by up to 280MW by improving the transmission network’s strength as more renewable generation is connected in Scotland,” said senior project manager at SP Energy Networks Billy Moore.
“The criticality of technology such as this will become more important as we reduce the usage of fossil fuels.”
“We are delighted to have co-created this innovative solution with SP Energy Networks, which will maintain grid stability and enable more clean electricity to flow through the system in the UK,” added Hitachi Energy’s head of grid & power quality solutions and service business Marco Berardi.
“This pioneering innovation is yet another addition to our ever-evolving portfolio of power quality solutions that help grid operators overcome the immediate and long-term challenges of the energy transition.”