06 Aug 2021
Transpower has today issued a Request for Information (RFI) about possible non-transmission solutions for the next stage of investment in voltage management across the Waikato and Upper North Island.
The need for voltage support in the Upper North Island was established through Transpower investigations, triggered by announcements since 2012 of both actual and intended decommissioning of thermal generation in the region.
GM Grid Development John Clarke said there are many possible ways to meet the dynamic voltage support needs on the grid, to ensure a reliable supply to the wider Auckland region, given the potential for significant thermal generation to be retired in the future.
“This RFI creates an opportunity for providers to offer solutions that may give additional benefits in the energy market beyond meeting Transpower’s Upper North Island need,” John said.
“For example, providers may also be able to utilise a solution to also meet peak demand and provide added resources for the reserve market — important when high northwards HVDC transfer is required. One example would be an offer of services from a provider operating a grid scale battery or similar device.”
Transpower received approval in September 2020 to make investments to manage voltage through a preferred option that includes installing two dynamic reactive devices, one in the Waikato and one in Auckland. Following a Request for Proposals (RFP) for non-transmission solutions, Transpower has subsequently commenced the procurement of the first dynamic reactive device (a STATCOM) at the Hamilton substation, which should be completed in winter 2023.
John said the 2020 RFP identified that emerging technologies, such as grid scale batteries, could also meet the need in future.
“Following further work on the technical performance requirements for such solutions, this RFI seeks to establish if such solutions and other options are a more cost-effective alternative for consumers when compared to installing the second device at Ōtāhuhu in Auckland,” John said.
Transpower’s current projections indicate a solution will be needed in 2026. Transpower is taking this opportunity now to hear and consider non-transmission options, given other synergies with the Net Zero Grid Pathways programme, including any that may be available prior to 2026. Transpower will consider solutions that could be located on its land adjacent to Transpower substations in the wider Auckland region.
View the Request for Information for Non-Transmission Voltage Support Solutions on GETS.
Background
For information on the initial investigation to manage voltage stability in the Waikato and Upper North Island region and the approved Major Capex Proposal, visit the Waikato and Upper North Island Voltage Management Investigation project page.
For more information please contact:
Rachael Drummond, Senior Corporate Communications Advisor, 021 394 803