Statkraft has announced that ABB will engineer and install two synchronous condensers at the Lister Drive Greener Grid Park in Liverpool, which will be constructed this year.
The Lister Drive project will provide services to help keep the electricity system stable, including inertia, short circuit current and voltage control – services generally provided by fossil fuel generators. This is a new use for synchronous condensers, which have historically been used to maintain voltage on long transmission lines. Lister Drive will be one of the first sites to use this technology to stabilise the supply of renewable energy to the grid, following Australia and Canada.
Statkraft was awarded four stability contracts by National Grid ESO in January 2020 for two projects on Lister Drive, Liverpool and two in Keith, Scotland. Keith is on target to support the supply of renewable energy into the grid by the end of 2021.
David Flood, managing director of Statkraft UK, said: “Working with ABB’s team in Warrington we will be able to use proven technology in an innovative way to deliver grid stability without carbon emissions.”
David Hughes, managing director at ABB said: “ABB is thrilled to be working with Statkraft on this critical project to stabilize our UK electricity network. Our innovative technology, supported by a long-term service contract, will make it possible to add additional renewable generation as the UK transitions to a more environmentally sustainable future.”
Julian Leslie, head of networks at National Grid ESO said: “Our contracts for stability services are cheaper and greener, reducing emissions and saving money for electricity consumers – and are a huge step forward in our ambition to be able to operate the GB electricity system carbon free by 2025.”
Statkraft has previously called for local suppliers to submit their details for consideration to Lister Drive Greener Grid Park contractors. Further contracts will be announced in the coming months.
Stay up to date with New Power – subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter here
Further reading
Inertia measurement solutions under investigation