Germany’s Siemens Energy AG has won a contract to supply a synchronous condenser system to the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), Ireland’s leading energy company.
Under this contract, Siemens Energy will deliver the synchronous condenser system, providing engineering, procurement, and construction. Key components are a control system that optimally fits with the overlaying grid automation system, a synchronous generator with a circuit-breaker, and a flywheel. In addition, Siemens Energy will provide the preventive maintenance for ten years with remote diagnostics. The synchronous condenser will, in turn, help the management of Ireland’s transmission system with a reduced dispatch of fossil fuel power, along with reduced costs of transmission operations.
As reported, the grid stabilising system will be developed at the Moneypoint power station located in South-West Ireland near Kilrush, County Clare. ESB recently announced the launch of “Green Atlantic at Moneypoint”, a multi-billion Euro programme of significant investments to transform the County Clare site into a green energy hub, where a range of renewable technologies will be deployed over the next decade with the capacity to power 1.6 million homes. With this programme, ESB has set an ambitious and bold course of action to help Ireland achieve climate action targets and transition the country to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy.
The synchronous condenser, a key component of ESB’s “Green Atlantic at Moneypoint”, will be the first in the country and incorporate the world’s largest flywheel used for grid stability. The facility will enable an increased integration of wind power into the Irish grid by providing sufficient inertia for frequency support, short-circuit power for system strength, and reactive power for voltage control.
Commissioning of the new condenser system is planned for mid-2022.
