04 • Foreign News
04 • Foreign News
@ green | March-April . 2024
Boosting renewable energy flow
An innovative combination of two technologies strengthens grid stability and enhances the flow of renewable energy across the UK
HITACHI Energy has won an order from S . P . Energy Networks to design and deliver a first-of-its-kind power quality solution to balance the grid and boost the flow of renewable energy across the UK . The solution will enable S . P . Energy Networks , the electricity network operator for Central & Southern Scotland and Merseyside , Cheshire , North & Mid-Wales and North Shropshire , to add more renewables into the grid and facilitate the phase-out of fossil fuels .
The project at S . P . Energy Networks ’ substation at Eccles is groundbreaking . It comprises two sets of an SVC Light ® STATCOM1 and a synchronous condenser , centrally controlled by the MACH™ control system and connected at a common electrical node . This innovative combination of technologies maximises the future power system ’ s potential and enhances system resilience , thereby supporting the increasing integration of renewables into the electricity grid .
INGKA , the majority owner of IKEA shops worldwide , is venturing into renewable investments in South Korea and Japan , eyeing offshore wind projects as a promising avenue . According to the president of its investment arm , Peter van der Poel , the company seeks to extend its renewable energy portfolio beyond Europe , where it has rapidly become a significant player in decarbonisation efforts .
Van der Poel emphasised that while Ingka remains active in exploring investment opportunities in Europe , they are also actively scouting prospects in South Korea and Japan , where the company already has a presence . This expansion into Asian markets marks a strategic move for Ingka , which aims to invest in various forms of renewable energy .
Despite currently lacking wind or solar energy investments in South Korea and Japan , Ingka is considering offshore
Each STATCOM installation uses Hitachi Energy ’ s advanced power electronics and technology-leading MACH2 control and protection solution to provide system strength and instantaneous voltage control and enable maximum power flow . This technology , which entrusts a STAT- COM to control a local synchronous condenser , is market-leading . It builds on an earlier collaboration between S . P . Energy Networks and Hitachi Energy on the network innovation competition project Phoenix , supported by Ofgem , the UK energy regulator .
“ Introducing this innovative power quality solution will significantly boost the transfer capacity across the U . K . by up to 280 MW . This will be achieved by enhancing the transmission network ’ s strength as more renewable generation is connected in Scotland ,” explained S . P . Energy Networks Senior Project Manager Billy Moore .
“ The importance of such technology will only grow as we strive to reduce
A man tries out a sofa at an Ikea store in Gwangmyeong , South Korea .
wind as the most viable option due to the high land cost in these countries . Japan ’ s ambitious plans to significantly increase offshore wind power projects align with Ingka ’ s investment strategy . The government ’ s recent expansion of areas designated for our reliance on fossil fuels .”
Marco Berardi , Head of Grid & Power Quality Solutions and Service business at Hitachi Energy , Marco Berardi said they were delighted to have co-created this innovative solution with S . P . Energy Networks , which would maintain grid stability and enable more clean electricity to flow through the system in the U . K .
“ This pioneering innovation is another addition to our ever-evolving portfolio of power quality solutions that help grid operators overcome the immediate and long-term challenges of the energy transition .”
With the integration of more renewable energy into the grid and the move away from conventional power plants , transmission system operators face several challenges . In this project , the SVC Light STATCOM and synchronous condenser , combined with control , generate or absorb reactive power to adjust the grid voltage and maintain system resilience .
Ingka explores renewable investments in South Korea and Japan turbine installation further bolsters the potential for offshore wind development .
With a commitment of € 7.5 billion for renewable energy investments by 2030 , of which € 4 billion are already allocated , Ingka has established itself
Powering New York ’ s microgrid revolution
ALTERNUS Clean Energy ( NASDAQ : ALCE ) and Acadia Energy ( NASDAQ : ACDE ) have formed a joint venture to develop 200 MW of Sustainability Hub™ microgrid projects in New York State . Alternus ’ renewable energy development and operations experience and Acadia ’ s regional track record and pipeline are combined in the agreement .
Alternus CEO Vincent Browne remarked : “ We are thrilled to partner with Acadia Energy on this exciting initiative to develop and operate 200 MW of microgrids in New York .
“ Our U . S . expansion strategy targets asset portfolios like Acadia ’ s excellent renewable , utility-scale energy projects pipeline . They are an appropriate partner as we accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and boost local economic growth due to their deep roots in the region and established track record .”
The joint venture will construct and operate microgrid projects over the next two to three years . IRA and CLCPAaligned Acadia microgrids provide green , resilient power to assist local economic growth and sustainability with scalable renewable energy and storage . The projects will offer clean , reliable , and cheap energy to New York State communities and companies , boosting economic growth and job creation .
“ We ’ re excited to work with Alternus Clean Energy to speed the deployment of cutting-edge microgrid technology across New York . Our shared vision for a clean future and Acadia ’ s experience producing over 1.2 gigawatts of projects underpin this initiative ”, expressed Acadia CEO John Bay .
Under the joint venture , Alternus will own 51 per cent of the projects , and Acadia will manage development with Alternus ’ s oversight . Both firms will contribute 50 per cent of the project ’ s financing and equity .
Acadia is in talks with regulatory agencies on microgrid deployment and has a 1.5 – 2.0 gigawatt pipeline of renewable energy projects in New York , averaging 20 – 50 MW each .
Within two years , joint venture projects should start commercial operations . This project is a step towards fulfilling New York ’ s ambitious clean energy targets and a paradigm for communitycentric energy development , benefiting local communities .
as a significant player in the renewable energy sector . The company currently boasts a capacity of 2.5 gigawatts ( G . W .) from its existing investments .
Despite rising costs , inflation , and supply chain bottlenecks in the offshore wind sector , Van der Poel expressed confidence in Ingka ’ s long-term approach . He emphasised the significance of offshore wind in the decarbonisation efforts for Ingka and Europe as a whole .
Ingka ’ s recent success in Norway ’ s offshore wind farm auction , in partnership with Parkwind , underscores its commitment to offshore wind projects . The joint venture aims to build 90 windmills with 17 megawatts ( M . W .) capacity each , with plans to have them operational by 2030 . Van der Poel reiterated the company ’ s confidence in the viability of this venture despite the challenges ahead . – @ green