London: Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has officially announced the successful completion and operational launch of its Rothienorman synchronous condenser project in North East Scotland. This significant milestone marks Rothienorman as the first synchronous condenser to become operational under the National Energy System Operator (NESO) Pathfinder II program, which is designed to enhance the UK’s critical transmission infrastructure in support of its net zero goals.
The Rothienorman project is part of a broader initiative involving ten projects awarded contracts under NESO’s Pathfinder II program, which collectively represent a total investment of £323 million in future revenues. Quinbrook secured over half of this total through seven contract awards, solidifying its position as a key player in the UK’s transition to renewable energy. The synchronous condenser technology employed at Rothienorman is essential for providing grid stability as the UK increases its reliance on variable renewable energy sources.
Keith Gains, Managing Director and Regional Leader for Quinbrook in the UK, highlighted the importance of synchronous condensers in facilitating the integration of renewable power into the grid. He stated, “As the UK increases its uptake of renewable power supply in the drive to Net Zero, synchronous condensers provide critical grid support enabling the safe and stable addition of more weather-sensitive renewable capacity to the UK power system.” This technology is particularly vital in Scotland, where there is a growing number of asynchronous wind farms alongside the retirement of traditional synchronous generation assets like nuclear and thermal plants.
The Pathfinder II program aims to bolster inertia and short-circuit levels within Scotland’s electricity system. By doing so, it addresses challenges posed by the increasing penetration of wind energy, which can lead to fluctuations in grid stability. The successful commissioning of Rothienorman represents a crucial step towards enhancing the resilience and reliability of Scotland’s electricity supply.
Matt Magill, Engineering and Customer Solutions Director at NESO, emphasized that projects like Rothienorman are instrumental in achieving long-term resilience for the electricity system. He remarked, “Stability Pathfinder II projects such as Rothienorman will help unlock long-term resilience for the electricity system and support delivery of not only NESO’s 2025 zero carbon operation ambition but also the delivery of clean power by 2030.” This initiative not only aims to maintain high reliability standards but also fosters innovation and new technologies that can help reduce costs for consumers.
Construction on the Rothienorman project commenced in February 2023, with Quinbrook partnering with Welsh Power throughout its development—from initial concept to final commissioning. The project utilized key equipment supplied by Siemens-Energy AG, ensuring that it meets high standards for performance and efficiency.
Quinbrook anticipates that its projects awarded contracts under Pathfinder II will create approximately 550 jobs during their construction phases. Earlier this year, Quinbrook secured £120 million in debt financing specifically for these synchronous condenser projects, marking a significant achievement as it represents the first portfolio financing for such projects under NESO’s Stability Pathfinder Programme.
Once fully operational, Quinbrook’s portfolio of seven synchronous condensers is expected to support over 1,500 jobs across local communities within the UK. The total capital investment associated with these projects exceeds £430 million, underscoring Quinbrook’s commitment to driving economic growth alongside environmental sustainability.
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners specializes exclusively in infrastructure needed for energy transition efforts across the UK, US, and Australia. With a seasoned team that has collectively invested approximately USD 6.9 billion in energy infrastructure assets amounting to a total transaction value of USD 29.8 billion, Quinbrook is well-positioned to lead initiatives that align with global sustainability goals.
The launch of the Rothienorman synchronous condenser project marks a pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. By enhancing grid stability and supporting increased renewable energy integration, Quinbrook’s efforts contribute significantly to achieving national net zero objectives while promoting economic development within local communities. As Quinbrook continues to expand its portfolio under initiatives like Pathfinder II, it remains committed to fostering innovation and resilience within the UK’s energy infrastructure landscape.
