As more renewables come onto the grid, the need to accurately measure inertia becomes greater, and Reactive’s GridMetrix® inertia measurement and analytics service is to provide the GB system operator with a real-time view of grid stability.
GridMetrix® enables system operators globally to overcome system stability challenges associated with a high uptake of renewables, identifying areas where inertia management measures are needed. This then allows the greater adoption of renewables, supporting National Grid ESO’s ambitions of being able to operate a zero carbon power system by 2025.
The first phase of the six-year agreement will see the construction and delivery of hardware and software. Hardware is set to include one of the world’s largest ultracapacitors, which will ‘inject power’ into the grid. The response will then be measured by Reactive’s proprietary measurement units. The second phase will then see the provision of inertia measurement services.
National Grid ESO and Reactive have previously partnered on an innovation project for the measurement of inertia but this new agreement will see the commercial deployment of GridMetrix® nationwide.
The Burges Salmon team was led by Projects partner James Phillips, with assistance from Daniel Ballard and Helen Scott-Lawler.
James says: “The greater adoption of renewables into power grids is an important trend that is set to continue, but with it come some unique challenges. We are therefore pleased to have advised on this agreement, which sees Reactive Technologies tackle these issues in an innovative and cutting-edge manner.”
Marc Borrett, CEO at Reactive Technologies, says: “Burges Salmon’s commitment to the project and their pragmatic approach to novel and often complex contractual elements enabled a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties that will see the first grid inertia measurement service being deployed commercially.”