The integration of wind energy is a big challenge in today’s grid management, as the power output immensely depends on the current weather situation. To help facing this challenge ABB will supply a Battery Energy Storage System to DONG Energy.
The UK’s National Grid operates a frequency level of 50 Hertz to ensure grid stability and quality of power supplies. Grid frequency is dependent on the balance between power supply and load demand. Integration of large amounts of variable wind energy increases complexity from a supply perspective. To improve the integration of the power supplied by the 90 MW offshore windfarm Burbo Bank near Liverpool, DONG Energy has ordered a two megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) from ABB. Burbo Bank offshore wind farm has been in operation since 2007
The use of ABB’s BESS means the reliable integration of enough clean energy to supply up to 80,000 UK homes, as Giandomenico Rivetti, Managing Director of ABB’s High Voltage Products business unit, points out. “Energy storage is playing a key role in the evolution of the power network and is a strategic focus area to reinforce our position as a partner of choice for a stronger, smarter and greener grid”, he adds.
“The need for grid flexibility continues to grow. As a leader in providing low-carbon energy, we are keen to be part of the solution to make the energy system smarter and to help National Grid manage grid stability,” said Ole Kjems Sørensen, Senior Vice President, Partnerships, M&A and Asset Management at DONG Energy.
In July, ABB already got an order for the supply of two SVC Light® Static Compensators, which were meant to smoothen out the voltage fluctuations at the offshore wind park East Anglia ONE.
Philipp Kronsbein / ABB