Synchronous compensators and grid Stability with Guy Nicholson (Head of Grid Integration UK @ Statkraft)

Jan 23, 2025

Guy Nicholson, Head of Grid Integration UK at Statkraft, shares his 33 years of expertise in renewable energy. He discusses the rising complexities of grid stability with the increase of wind and solar power. Synchronous compensators are highlighted as key technologies that provide necessary inertia. Guy explains their operational dynamics and contrasts them with battery-based responses. The conversation touches on the National Grid's Stability Pathfinder program and the critical lessons learned from the 2019 blackout, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions in energy management.

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INSIGHT

Statkraft's Role

Statkraft, Europe's largest renewable generator, focuses on developing renewable energy assets and grid services.
Guy Nicholson's role involves developing "Green Grid Parks" to aid grid decarbonization and renewable integration.

ANECDOTE

Grid Connection Challenges

Guy Nicholson has a background in connecting renewables to grids, starting with landfill gas and wind in the 1990s.
He overcame grid companies' resistance to renewable integration by finding solutions to technical challenges.

INSIGHT

Importance of Inertia

Synchronous machines, like those in traditional power plants, provide inertia to the grid, which helps maintain stability.
Inertia slows the rate of change of frequency after disturbances, giving time for responses and preventing blackouts.

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Grid stability is becoming increasingly complex with the growing integration of renewable energy sources. Unlike traditional power generation, wind and solar lack the inherent inertia needed to maintain a stable grid. Enter technologies like synchronous compensators: advanced spinning machines that deliver the critical inertia required to balance the grid and ensure a reliable power supply. Leading the charge in addressing these challenges are initiatives such as the Stability Pathfinders, which are driving innovative solutions to safeguard grid stability in a renewable-driven future.

In today’s episode, Guy Nicholson, Head of Grid Integration UK at Statkraft, joins Ed Porter to explore the topic of grid stability, synchronous compensators and more. Over the conversation they discuss:

Grid stability challenges - the importance of inertia and the challenges when transitioning to inverter-based resources.

The difference between inertial response vs. battery-based frequency response.

An introduction to National Grid's Stability Pathfinder program and Statkrafts involvement in phase 1.

Synchronous compensators and how they work to provide artificial inertia.

The importance of system strength in managing inverter-based resources.

About our Guest

Guy Nicholson is responsible for grid integration at Statkraft in the UK with 33 years of experience in renewable energy including wind turbine design, project development, grid integration, electrical engineering of projects, project development and regulatory policy.

StatKraft is Europe’s largest renewable energy producer and a global company in energy market operations ,developing and operating renewable energy assets, as well as buying and selling energy.

For more information on what Statkraft do, check out their website.

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