Siemens Energy technology stabilizes German power grid
Germany, Munich: The German-Dutch grid operator TenneT has commissioned Siemens Energy to supply three grid stabilization systems for the German power grid.
Image source: Siemens Energy
Germany, Munich: The German-Dutch grid operator TenneT has commissioned Siemens Energy to supply three grid stabilization systems for the German power grid.
Such solutions are necessary because conventional power plants not only generate electricity but also automatically stabilize the grid (via their physical behaviour). There is an increasing trend of taking conventional power plants off the grid and replacing them by electricity from decentralized renewable energy sources as part of the energy transition, Therefore, transmission system operators will have to find alternative solutions to transport more energy while maintaining overall stability. Two of the three systems are synchronous condenser, which essentially consists of a generator and a flywheel.
The third of the three solutions is a technological premiere: the world’s first reactive power compensation system with supercapacitors (Static Var Compensator Frequency Stabilizer – SVC PLUS FS). It will use short-term storage in the form of supercapacitors. The supercapacitors are able to counteract fluctuations in the grid frequency either by actively charging themselves for a short time, thereby withdrawing up to 200 MW from the grid, or by feeding the stored power into the grid.
Siemens Energy will build the solutions in Mehrum in Lower Saxony, the state producing by far the most onshore wind energy in Germany.. The three systems are scheduled to be commissioned in 2025.
“The main strength of the European power grid is its resilience. It guarantees security of supply, which also guarantees prosperity. To ensure that this remains the case in the future, investments in grid stability are extremely important. Here, too, there is no time to lose, because the energy transition is not just a matter of replacing fossil fuels with renewables. Ultimately, electricity also has to be reliably delivered to consumers’ outlets. That is also the motivation behind this project,” said Tim Holt, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens Energy.
Source: Siemens Energy
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