New machine to support carbon energy transition under construction at Coolkeeragh
Construction is underway on a new machine at Coolkeeragh that will help stabilise the electricity grid as the transition from fossil fuels to renewable power sources proceeds over the coming decades.
The Synchronous Condenser project is being delivered by Statkraft UK.
System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI) commissioned the plant two years ago.
SONI said the condensers – also referred to as compensators – can provide Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) to maintain a stable electricity grid while operating with higher levels of renewable energy.
A SONI spokesperson commented: “Construction of the Synchronous Condenser project at Coolkeeragh remains ongoing, with an anticipated grid connection in late 2027.
"Work is being carried out by Faughan Stability Limited, a subsidiary of Statkraft UK. Following a competitive procurement process, Statkraft Ltd was awarded the contract to deliver the Synchronous Condenser at Coolkeeragh in 2024.
"Once operational, the Synchronous Condenser will be operated by engineering company Andritz under a long-term agreement, with oversight from Statkraft's Asset Management team."
Statkraft is Europe’s largest producer of renewable energy. Last year the Norwegian hydropower and renewables giant produced a record 72.1 Terawatt-hours of energy with 95.7 per cent of that derived from renewables.
Once operational the system will help stabilise the electricity grid by allowing SONI to turn off fossil-fuel power stations when there's enough wind and solar energy in the system available to meet demand.
This is in line with SONI and EirGrid's Shaping Our Electricity Future Roadmap.
“SONI will be able to instruct the unit to start or stop when required by the network and in line with relevant market arrangements,” a SONI spokesperson confirmed.
The Coolkeeragh compensator project is one of two that were awarded to Statkraft in November 2024, the other being located at the Coleraine Substation.
The North West synchronous condensers are among six that have now been procured across the island of Ireland.
However, SONI has plans for more and recently launched the second phase of procurementfor additional synchronous condenser units.
"The second phase of procurement is ongoing. To qualify, participants will need planning permission and an accepted grid connection offer. Once this process is complete, SONI will publish the details of the successful candidates including their location,” the electricity grid operator said.