Standard content for Members only
To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.
If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.
National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) has revealed that all 12 units contracted under its first stability pathfinder are now operational, marking a “significant step” towards its 2025 zero-carbon operation ambition.
The stability pathfinders project is a trial of a new grid stability service incorporating inertia, reactive power and short circuit level.
Inertia refers to the resistance of the electricity system to changes in frequency, an inherent characteristic of conventional synchronous generators such as coal and gas plants whose turbines naturally act as shock absorbers for the system.
When there is a loss of load, the kinetic energy stored in the turbines is instantly released onto the grid, preventing a sudden drop in frequency.
Yet as the UK moves towards net zero system stability services need to be provided in newer, greener ways.
All 12 synchronous compensators that are now online are zero-carbon units and the ESO said they are expected to deliver up to £128 million in consumer savings over their lifetime, as well as to reduce CO2 emissions by around 6 million tonnes.
Julian Leslie, head of networks at the ESO, said: “The delivery of all twelve units involved in phase one of our stability pathfinders is an important milestone in delivering our ambition to be able to operate the network with zero carbon from 2025.
“Alongside our other pathfinders, today’s news marks a significant achievement in reaching this milestone, which will reduce the cost and carbon emissions of operating the national electricity network.”
Please login or Register to leave a comment.