- The innovative combination of the two technologies enhances grid stability and improves the flow of renewable energy across the UK.
- Up to 280 megawatts of additional renewable energy will be added to the electricity grid, with the potential to power more than 360,000 homes.
Hitachi Energy has won an order from SP Energy Networks to design and deliver a first-of-its-kind power quality solution to balance the grid and enhance the flow of renewable energy across the UK. This solution will allow SP Energy Networks, the electricity network operator in central and southern Scotland, Merseyside, Cheshire, north and mid Wales and north Shropshire, to add more renewables to the grid and facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuels.
The project, located at the SP Energy Networks substation in Eccles, consists of two sets of light STATCOM1® SVC and a synchronous condenser centrally controlled by the MACH™ control system, connected to a common electrical node. This unique combination of technologies will maximize the potential of the future electricity system and, at the same time, provide greater system flexibility, thus supporting the increasing integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid.
Each STATCOM installation utilizes Hitachi Energy’s advanced power electronics and MACH protection and control solution 2 Leading technology to provide system power, instant voltage control and enable maximum power flow. This technology, which relies on STATCOM to control a local synchronous condenser, is market leading. It builds on previous collaboration between SP Energy Networks and Hitachi Energy on the Phoenix Grid Innovation Competition project supported by Ofgem, the UK energy regulator.
Billy Moore, senior project manager at SP Energy Networks, said: “The innovative power quality solution will increase transmission capacity across the UK by up to 280MW by improving the strength of the transmission network as more renewable generation comes online in Scotland.” “The importance of such technology will become even more important as we reduce the use of fossil fuels.”
Marco Berardi, Head of Network Quality and Energy, said: “We are delighted to be co-creating this innovative solution with SP Energy Networks, which will maintain grid stability and allow more clean electricity to flow through the UK system.” Services Business at Hitachi Energy.. “This pioneering innovation is another addition to our constantly evolving portfolio of power quality solutions that help grid operators overcome the immediate and long-term challenges of the energy transition.”
As more renewable energy is integrated into the grid and conventional power plants are abandoned, transmission system operators face a number of challenges. In this project, SVC Light STATCOM and synchronous capacitor with common control generate or absorb reactive power to adjust grid voltage and maintain system flexibility.
Notes to editors
- The Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) continuously provides variable reactive power in response to voltage changes, supporting grid stability.
- The MACH control system acts as the brain of SVC Light using state-of-the-art computers, microcontrollers and digital signal processors.
