Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has completed its first investment in Ireland with the acquisition of the Wexford synchronous condenser project, a facility aimed at enhancing electricity grid stability.
The Wexford project, located in County Wexford, is designed to deliver up to 963 megavolt-ampere seconds (MVA.s) of stabilising power services. These include inertia, reactive power, and short-circuit capacity, which are critical to maintaining the stability of the Irish electricity system as it transitions to greater renewable energy use.
Initially developed by Green Frog Power, the project secured a long-term revenue contract through Ireland’s Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) tender process in June 2024.
“Wexford marks a significant milestone for Quinbrook as we continue to grow our grid stability portfolio and mark our first investment in Ireland,” said Keith Gains, managing director and UK regional leader at Quinbrook.
He added: “The Wexford project underscores our commitment to building critical infrastructure that supports Ireland’s energy transition and strengthens grid resilience.”
Ireland is targeting 80% renewable electricity by 2030, a shift that presents challenges for grid reliability due to the intermittent nature of renewable sources. Unlike conventional power plants, wind and solar do not inherently provide system inertia, a function necessary to prevent frequency fluctuations and potential blackouts.
Synchronous condensers address this by replicating the stabilising effects of large rotating machinery found in thermal plants, but without carbon emissions. Quinbrook, the UK’s largest private owner of such assets, has now committed over £430 million across its portfolio, with three projects currently operating and four more under construction.
Procurement and construction of the Wexford project will be managed by Quinbrook’s long-term partner Welsh Power. The facility is expected to become operational in 2027, with construction fully financed by Quinbrook.
“Investments in grid stability are essential,” Gains said. “We are excited to bring our team’s expertise to Ireland to help accelerate the shift to a more sustainable power system.”
