Alpiq has expanded its flexibility portfolio by commissioning the first grid-forming battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Nordics, a landmark 30 MW / 36 MWh facility in Valkeakoski, Finland.
Alpiq’s BESS Secures First Grid-Forming Capacity with Finland BESS project
In a technological milestone for the Nordic power system, Alpiq has successfully commissioned the region’s first grid-forming battery energy storage system. This follows the new grid-forming requirements set by Finland’s transmission system operator, Fingrid, for large-scale storage assets. The advanced BESS was designed and built as a turnkey project by the Finnish technology company Merus Power.
Located in Valkeakoski, the facility has an installed capacity of 30 MW and 36 MWh. Managed by Alpiq, it is now fully integrated into the national power grid to balance supply and demand, significantly enhancing grid stability.
Grid-forming capability is a crucial advancement. It allows the BESS to generate its own voltage and frequency waveform independently, creating a stable grid reference. This enables it to strengthen the grid, provide immediate support during faults, and operate effectively even in areas with high penetration of renewable energy. This contrasts with traditional grid-following systems, which depend on the existing grid signal and cannot provide the same level of autonomous stability.
Alpiq Partners with Fingrid to Ensure Grid Stability via Finland BESS project
Alpiq’s commissioning of this fully certified, grid-forming capacity marks a significant step in reinforcing grid stability and resilience across the region. As Lukas Gresnigt, Head of International and member of Alpiq’s Executive Board, stated, “Flexible capacity and storage are essential for integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the energy system.” This investment underscores Alpiq’s commitment to both security of supply and long-term climate goals.
The system’s participation in Fingrid’s market highlights the growing importance of advanced energy storage in supporting the transition to renewables. The entire project showcases how modern technology can enhance grid stability and the security of supply. Understanding the intricate solar panel manufacturing process provides insight into the production side of the renewable energy equation that this BESS is designed to support.
The operational flexibility of the BESS will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Finnish power grid can manage the challenges posed by the increasing share of variable energy sources. For homeowners and tenants in Germany, this project serves as a compelling example of the infrastructure needed to support the country’s own Energiewende, ensuring a reliable power supply as reliance on renewables grows.
Alpiq’s BESS to Balance Grid and Support Energy Trading in Finland BESS project
The primary objective of Alpiq’s BESS is to provide critical balancing services to the Finnish grid. By delivering ancillary services, the system helps maintain stable voltage and frequency, especially during demand peaks or when renewable generation fluctuates. It actively improves “grid stiffness” and supports the power system during disturbances, which is essential for preventing blackouts.
In addition to its grid-balancing role, the BESS enables Alpiq to participate actively in energy trading on the Nordic electricity market. The system’s ability to store energy when prices are low and release it when they are high creates a new revenue stream and contributes to overall market efficiency. This helps smooth out price volatility and ensures a more balanced supply-and-demand dynamic. The economic viability of such installations is a key factor, often detailed in a comprehensive solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown for similar large-scale energy projects.
Ultimately, this pioneering project in Finland demonstrates a scalable solution for integrating renewables, a challenge shared by industrial nations worldwide. To learn more about the fundamentals of creating clean energy technology, you can explore our free e-course on the subject.
