New clean grid technology project comes online

A new clean grid technology project to keep the electricity system stable as more renewables come on stream has gone live.

The synchronous condenser, at RWE’s Pembroke power station site, is a large rotating machine that provides clean inertia which acts as a shock absorber during sudden changes in supply or demand.

Inertia services were historically provided by large spinning generators at coal, gas and nuclear power stations.

The project is the first of a new wave of sixteen synchronous condensers under NESO's Stability Pathfinder programme, delivering new ways to keep the electricity system reliable as more wind and solar power comes online.

NESO said the technologies will help cut emissions, strengthen energy security, and save consumers up to £9bn in system costs over the years ahead.