New technical solution to improve the reliability of a wind-dominated grid

Fingrid has explored solutions to ensure the reliable operation of an increased volume of wind power. One of the solutions is a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), which Fingrid is building on the west coast and in Southern Finland. The device helps improve reliability and reduce the need for limitations during challenging operating situations.

The unprecedented growth of wind power on the west coast makes it difficult for the grid to operate reliably. Approximately 5,000 megawatts of wind power is being built on the west coast, with approximately 2,000 megawatts between Pori and Vaasa.

Fingrid will ensure the reliable operation of the agreed wind power connections in the area by building a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) in its substation in Kristinestad. The STATCOM will support the stable operation of the wind farms connected to Ostrobothnia with the synchronous compensator, which will be built at the Jylkkä substation in Kalajoki in 2025.

Wind farms lack the intrinsic characteristic of a synchronous machine, which resists voltage and frequency changes. Consequently, when wind power production is high and, in particular, during outages, regional networks can become unstable, and wind farms may be disconnected due to network faults.

The STATCOM’s ultra-fast programmed adjustments allow it to resist voltage changes in the same way as a synchronous machine, supporting the stability of wind power and reducing the need for regional limits on wind power production.

A STATCOM will also be built at the Anttila substation in Southern Finland to support voltage stability. Forecasts predict that consumption in Southern Finland will increase significantly while the volume of conventional fossil-fuelled electricity production will decrease. Significantly more voltage support is needed in Southern Finland to ensure good reliability. The solution will be commissioned in Southern Finland in 2028.

Fingrid is also studying other solutions to tackle the challenges posed to the power system when the network is dominated by wind power. Read our previous communications for more information:

New technical solution to balance the grid on the west coast >

Fingrid looking for solutions to the main grid transmission capacity challenges on the west coast >

Further information:

Timo Kiiveri, Executive Vice President, Fingrid Oyj, +358 30 395 5136