EirGrid has awarded contracts for four synchronous condensers to aid Ireland's transition to a renewable-heavy energy grid. These Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) will provide essential grid stability as the country increases its reliance on renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Following a competitive procurement process, contracts were granted to Quarry Lane Stability Limited (Sligo) and Glencloosagh Energy Limited (Kerry), both subsidiaries of Statkraft Ireland Limited, as well as to Buffy Letter Limited (Galway) and Green Frog Power (Wexford).
Historically, grid stability in Ireland required large, fossil-fuel-based generators to provide necessary inertia. However, EirGrid recently reduced its reliance on these conventional generators, allowing the grid to operate with just four of these units, down from five.
The new LCIS technology, expected to be operational between 2027 and 2028, will reduce this dependence further, enabling even greater integration of renewable energy while supporting 6963 MVA of synchronous inertia along with reactive power support and short-circuit contributions.
Liam Ryan, EirGrid's Chief Transformation & Technology Officer, emphasized the significance of LCIS in adapting Ireland's grid for renewables, stating, “The availability of low carbon inertia services is an important part of an extensive programme of work we're undertaking to make the grid renewables ready, which will benefit the economy and local communities across Ireland.” Ryan highlighted that Ireland's grid can currently support up to 75% renewable energy generation, but ongoing system studies and trials aim to increase this limit, driving further progress in Ireland's renewable energy integration.
