Statkraft's GBP-25m grid stability project in Liverpool enters final stage

The UK unit of Norwegian hydropower major Statkraft AS has entered the final stages of development of a GBP-25-million (USD 30.9m/EUR 29.3m) grid stability project in Liverpool that will facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources.

The project, known as the Lister Drive Greener Grid Park, has been implemented in Tuebrook since last year. NRS Group have already concluded all major construction work at the site and in early April began pouring final concrete following the installation of two synchronous condensers supplied by ABB Ltd (NYSE:ABB).

Statkraft said in a statement that the contractors will now proceed with the installation of supporting components and auxiliary systems. Work will continue into late summer and after a period of testing, the site will be handed over to the Norwegian utility so it could initiate operation in the autumn.

When wind or solar power is fed into the facility, the ABB condensers, coupled with 40-tonne flywheels, provide the inertia required to ensure the stability of network frequency and voltage, the developer explained.

Electricity system operator National Grid ESO awarded a GBP-44-million deal to Statkraft in January 2020 for it to execute two such projects in the UK. The other one, the Keith Greener Grid Park in Scotland, commenced operation in late December.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.236/EUR 1.173)

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