Powering Jeju Island’s Green Future: ABB’s Innovative Solution for Grid Stability
Jeju Island, the captivating South Korean tourist haven, has set its sights on an ambitious goal – to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035. This green transformation, however, presents unique challenges for the island’s power grid, which has historically relied on fossil fuel-powered turbines. As these outdated generators are decommissioned, the grid’s inertia decreases, making it increasingly difficult to integrate more renewable energy sources without risking grid instability and potential blackouts.
The Synchronous Condenser Solution: Mimicking Traditional Generators
Enter ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation, who has partnered with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to introduce a cutting-edge solution – the high-inertia flywheel synchronous condenser. This innovative technology is poised to revolutionize Jeju Island’s renewable energy transition, ensuring grid stability and paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
Synchronous condensers, like the one being deployed by ABB and KEPCO, offer a proven solution to the stability challenges faced by island grids transitioning to renewable energy. These devices mimic the operation of traditional coal or gas generators, providing an alternative source of spinning inertia to maintain network frequency within controlled limits.
Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB Large Motors and Generators Division, explains the significance of this project: “With ABB’s proven technology and designs compliant with Korean standards, this flywheel synchronous condenser system will significantly improve frequency stability in the Jeju power grid. Through this project, ABB will set the standards for flywheel synchronous condenser systems in South Korea.”
A Crucial Link in Jeju’s Renewable Energy Journey
The synchronous condenser, boasting an impressive 50 megavolt-ampere reactive power (Mvar) and nearly 500 MWs of inertia, will be strategically installed near a high voltage direct current (HVDC) station in northern Jeju Island. This location connects the island to the mainland power grid via a subsea cable, making it a critical node in Jeju’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Eun-Bo Sim, President of KEPCO Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “The introduction of ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser system will greatly enhance the stability of the Jeju power grid. KEPCO is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions that support Jeju’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2035.”
Addressing the Challenges of Renewable Energy Integration
The transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, presents unique challenges for grid stability. Unlike traditional fossil fuel generators, renewable sources do not inherently provide the same level of inertia to the grid. This lack of inertia can lead to frequency fluctuations and potential blackouts, especially in isolated grids like those found on islands.
Synchronous condensers play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing the necessary inertia and reactive power support. They help maintain grid frequency and voltage stability, enabling a higher penetration of renewable energy sources without compromising the reliability of the power supply.
A Global Showcase for Synchronous Condenser Technology
ABB has successfully deployed these condensers to reinforce island grid power networks worldwide, including projects in the Balearic, Faroes, and Canary Islands. The technology has also been used to manage grid integration on one of Australia’s largest solar farms.
The collaboration between ABB and KEPCO on Jeju Island marks a significant step towards achieving the island’s 2035 net-zero goals and demonstrates the potential for similar implementations in other regions transitioning to green energy sources. As more countries and regions set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, the demand for grid stabilization technologies like synchronous condensers is expected to grow.
A Roadmap for a Sustainable Energy Future
The success of the Jeju Island project could pave the way for wider adoption of synchronous condenser technology in South Korea and beyond, supporting the global transition towards sustainable energy systems. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, innovative solutions like those provided by ABB and KEPCO will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure.
This collaboration serves as a valuable case study for other island communities and isolated grids looking to increase their renewable energy capacity while maintaining grid stability. By addressing the critical challenge of grid inertia, ABB’s flywheel synchronous condenser is empowering Jeju Island to take a significant stride towards its net-zero ambitions, setting a powerful example for sustainable energy transitions worldwide.