Scotland’s Keith Greener Grid Park to increase renewables on the grid
Michael Matheson, the Scottish cabinet secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, joined industry leaders and the local community in Moray this week as he unveiled a world-leading grid technology project.
The Keith Greener Grid Park, the first of several which will be built across the UK, is a project pioneered by Statkraft UK, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, in association with the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO).[1][2]
Addressing the need for grid stability, this project uses two rotating stabilizers manufactured by GE Power Conversion to increase the amount of renewable energy that can be utilized on the grid. It will be instrumental in helping shape a responsible energy future by reducing reliance on fossil fuels—and helping deliver the NGESO’s target of being able to operate a zero-carbon electricity system by 2025, as well as reduce costs to consumers.
Commenting on the huge step forward in running a zero-carbon electricity grid, Mr. Matheson said: “News of rising energy prices earlier this year were extremely worrying for many people, with the risk of fuel poverty a real risk for a huge number of homes across the UK.”
The energy market has faced a huge challenge due to the unprecedented increase in global gas prices, and the government has been very interested in hearing about projects and developments that not only support the energy transition but support cheaper power.
Speaking at the launch event, which was also attended by industry leaders, suppliers and members of the local community, Mr. Matheson continued: “One of the biggest instruments in decreasing the effects of the energy price hikes is to add more domestic and renewable resources to the power supply system. The Keith Greener Grid Park is a prime example of ways this can be done—and it was encouraging today to hear more from the technical team behind the trailblazing project.”
This project is part of a £44m deal between Statkraft and NGESO. Similar sites will become operational in Liverpool and elsewhere in the UK.
Statkraft is committed to working at a local level and being a good neighbor, establishing community liaison groups, providing opportunities for local investment, and generating significant economic and community benefits.
“This exciting project and the significant investment in the local economy will bring benefits for local supply chains while also helping put the region at the forefront of our continuing journey to put renewable energy at the centre of our journey to net-zero,” added Mr. Matheson.
References
- ^ Statkraft UK (www.statkraft.co.uk)
- ^ National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO). (www.nationalgrideso.com)