Temporary restrictions on grid connections for grid energy storage to be lifted on the west coast, south of Vaasa
Fingrid will lift the restriction on connecting grid energy storage systems to the power grid on the west coast south of Vaasa from 1 February 2025. The restriction can be lifted earlier than planned because new methods have been developed to ensure the operation of an inverter-dominated power system. In addition, Fingrid has worked with customers to specify the functionalities of grid energy storage systems to support the operation of the power system. Grid energy storage systems provide the power system with flexibility, and their location makes a big difference to the grid.
Since April 2023, Fingrid has restricted the connection of electricity production and grid energy storage facilities to the grid on the west coast. The restriction is due to last until the completion of new main grid transmission connections from Kalajoki to Central Finland in 2027 and from Kristinestad to Nokia in 2029. The restriction on connecting grid energy storage systems larger than 1 megawatt will be lifted in Vaasa and to the south of Vaasa earlier than planned, effective from 1 February 2025.
The restriction can be lifted early because Fingrid has worked with operators and developed methods to ensure the operation of an inverter-dominated power system in Finland and elsewhere in the Nordic countries. One good example of the development work is the new grid energy storage system with grid-forming functionality, which supports inverter-dominated electricity production.
Although the restriction on grid energy storage systems will now be lifted, every grid energy storage connection over 1 megawatt must still be reviewed in collaboration with Fingrid.
The restriction on connections remains in force elsewhere on the west coast, but new power plants and grid energy storage systems can be commissioned as soon as the connections in the main power transmission grid are completed.
Grid energy storage locations depend on network capacity
The power system requires a lot of more flexibility in response to the energy transition. Grid energy storage systems, or batteries, are the ideal solution. However, the transmission and connection capacity of the grid must be taken into account when choosing the location of grid energy storage systems because they can make grid connections difficult for other projects that are necessary for the energy transition. For the grid energy storage system’s owner, the geographical location of the system, on the other hand, is not of great importance, since Finland is a single bidding zone in the electricity market.
The Arkkukallio substation in Isojoki and the Kärppiö substation in Teuva are good examples of excellent connection points for large grid energy storage systems in the main grid because studies have shown that these areas have significant main grid transmission capacity. Connecting large grid energy storage facilities to Kärppiö and Arkkukallio would also improve the reliability of the main grid, as the wind and solar power in the area has a significant effect on stability.
Fingrid has begun preparing to allow for faster construction of new customer connections at both Arkkukallio and Kärppiö substations.
Further information:
Onni Härmä, Customer Manager, Fingrid Oyj, tel. +358 30 395 4299
Email addresses are in the format firstname.lastname@fingrid.fi
Attached is a map of the west coast region where the restriction on grid energy storage will be lifted on 1 February and the region where the restriction will remain in force
Previous news about the topic > (In Finnish)
Downloadable files:
Fingrid map of the west coast region, bulletin 30.1.2025.pdf (In Finnish)