SSEN Transmission has announced the successful energisation of a synchronous condenser at its Rothienorman substation in Aberdeenshire, marking a significant step in the UK's transition to a cleaner energy grid. The installation, a collaboration with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and Welsh Power, aims to enhance grid stability by providing system inertia, which is typically delivered by fossil fuel-based generation but is not naturally provided by renewable sources like wind and solar.
As the UK increases its reliance on renewable energy to meet clean power and energy security goals, finding alternatives to fossil fuel-based inertia is becoming essential to maintaining grid stability and reducing the risk of power cuts. The synchronous condenser, which consists of a large rotor, acts as a physical stabilizer to compensate for sudden short-term changes in the electricity system. In the event of a fault, the condenser provides inertia for fractions of a second, allowing system protection and enabling generators to respond.
Oliver Driscoll, Head of Customer Experience at SSEN Transmission, highlighted the importance of the project: “The energisation of Quinbrook/Welsh Power's synchronous condenser at our Rothienorman substation marks a milestone in work to create a secure and reliable electricity network for net zero, reducing our reliance on fossil fuel sources to provide grid stability. Delivering these connections is not straightforward, and the cutting-edge nature of the Rothienorman project presented challenges that will prove to be invaluable in informing our approach to future projects.
The Rothienorman project is part of SSEN Transmission's involvement in the National Electricity System Operator's (NESO) Stability Pathfinder programme, which aims to generate inertia and provide short-circuit power to the grid without relying on fossil fuels. The project also contributes to the development of “grid-forming” converters, which allow renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and batteries to provide voltage and frequency support to the grid, especially during disturbances or outages. This capability is crucial for the decarbonisation of the power supply and the integration of more renewable energy.
Gareth Rees, Head of Project Delivery at Welsh Power, praised the successful installation of the synchronous condenser, calling it a “state-of-the-art” facility. He added: “Now operational, it will provide much-needed grid stability services to the network, facilitate the deployment of more renewable energy projects, and ultimately save the consumer money.
The Rothienorman substation project is a key part of ongoing efforts to create a reliable, clean energy grid while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
