Electricity storage
The technology in brief
In short, the technology can be described as follows: if there is a disruption or imbalance in the electricity system, the battery facility will respond immediately, within a second. In this way, the power system can maintain a stable operating condition. In the event of prolonged imbalances, the hydroelectric power plant will take over and provide the greater energy output. Together, this is a cost-effective solution, as it does not require large batteries but still provides a system that offers both fast and stable frequency regulation.
How does the power system work?
For the electricity system to function optimally, rotational energy is needed. Rotational energy is the stored kinetic energy in the rotating masses of an electrical system. The rotating masses consist mainly of synchronous generators, for example in nuclear and hydroelectric power plants. Rotational energy contributes to the system's ability to withstand frequency changes. But if a production source is disconnected, let's say several wind farms stop, at the same time as the amount of rotational energy in the power system is low, this causes a large and immediate frequency change. Operating situations with low rotational energy are becoming increasingly common in the Nordic power system, as more and more solar and wind power plants are being added. The new battery installations in hydroelectric power plants will be a way to secure stable fossil-free energy for future generations.
