“Batteries are thought to be used mostly to store energy. Now, however, we will try connecting a battery to a hydropower plant with the idea of improving the plant’s ability to function as regulating power for the Nordic electricity network,” said Martin Lindström, Head of Asset Management Hydro at Fortum.
“Many power plants ramp their power output up or down to keep the network’s frequency at 50 Hz. Balancing may be needed very quickly, even in a matter of a few seconds. The new battery is expected to help keep the frequency in balance, and the Forshuvud power plant will recharge the battery with renewable hydropower,” the company said in a press release.
Over the past two years Fortum has tested a similar concept at its combined heat and power plant in Järvenpää. The concept has proven to be functional, and the battery solution to be taken into use in Forshuvud is based on the experiences gained in Järvenpää.
“In Järvenpää we determined that the concept works. Now we want to test a bigger battery and improve the characteristics of hydropower plants. The best resources have been developing the concept, and now we are ready to move to the next level. The Swedish project is a natural next step in the use of batteries to balance electricity networks,” said Tatu Kulla, Head of Trading Ventures and Development, Fortum.
The construction work will start in early 2019, and the aim is to have the battery in use during the first half of next year.
