A synchronous condenser system that Siemens Energy provided for another project in Ireland in 2021. Image: Siemens Energy.
Siemens Energy is set to deploy the “first” synchronous condenser and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 160MWh for a hybrid project in Ireland.
The Germany-headquartered energy technology firm will deliver the technology for the hybrid grid stabilisation and large-scale battery storage plant, at Shannonbridge in Ireland, the “first time the two technologies have been combined with a single grid connection”, it claimed.
It pairs a synchronous condenser, including a flywheel, capable of injecting 4000MW of inertia into the grid, and a large scale BESS of 160MWh. Siemens will also provide the power conversion systems, energy management systems and medium voltage equipment.
The total order is worth €85 million (US$90 million) and work has already begun on the site, which is in the Republic of Ireland, although the island’s energy market and electricity grid are usually considered as one whole unit.
Although Siemens Energy’s press release did not specify, it appears to be for the ‘Shannonbridge B’ project developed by Lumcloon Energy and Hanwha Energy, on which construction started one year ago, reported by Energy-Storage.news at the time. Siemens Energy has been asked to confirm this and this article will be updated when a response is received.
Synchronous condensers provide low-carbon inertia, which can be combined with the BESS’ ability to provide rapid frequency response, reserve and ramping services, allowing the plant to respond to sudden changes in electricity supply and demand.
Tim Holt, member of the managing board of Siemens Energy said: “Innovative technical solutions are essential if we are to combat the consequences of climate change and transition to a net-zero grid. 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 solution will help ramp-up renewables by offering storage and stabilisation technology in one connection.”
Siemens also did not specify whether the BESS would be provided by Fluence, the global BESS integrator it co-controls along with US utility and energy firm AES. Fluence recently landed a 4-hour BESS order from Norweigian state-owned independent power producer Statkraft for a project in Ireland.
Ireland was called one of Europe’s five most attractive energy storage markets earlier this year by Aurora Energy Research.
