Siemens Energy is combining two technologies to stabilise the Irish grid.

The company will deliver hybrid grid stabilisation and a large-scale battery storage plant at Shannonbridge in Ireland. This is said to be the first time these two technologies have been combined into one grid connection to stabilise the grid and make better use of renewable energy.

The proven synchronous condenser technology uses a generator with a flywheel connected. It’s essentially a big rotating mass and, 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. It increases use of renewable energy, even when the wind is not blowing and, with a capacity of around 160MWh, the battery energy storage could supply around 9500 households with power for a full day.

“Innovative technologies are essential if we are to combat the consequences of climate change and transition to a net-zero grid,” said Tim Holt, board member at Siemens Energy. “Battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role in tomorrow’s global energy infrastructure. By combining our proven experience in grid technology and our ability to innovate, the Shannonbridge hybrid will help ramp-up renewables by offering storage and stabilisation technology in one connection.”

Siemens Energy’s scope includes the synchronous condenser, including the flywheel, which will deliver around 4000MWs 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.

Achieving Ireland’s climate targets will require massive investment in energy infrastructure. By combining two innovative energy options via one connection, Siemens aims to deliver a flexible system to help stabilise Ireland’s grid.

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 growing electricity demand, in part due to its global digital and data hosting industry.

The current market mechanism in Ireland allows operators to sell services such as inertia, short circuit power and reactive power as provided by the synchronous condenser technology to the transmission system operator. To support this, Siemens Energy (www.siemens-energy.com) will also provide an energy management system allowing the user to respond to market demands and power needs in real-time.