The UK's Energy Minister, Michael Shanks MP, today officially opened RWE's new synchronous condenser at Pembroke Power Station, marking the delivery of one of the projects awarded through the National Energy System Operator's (NESO) Pathfinder programme.
The multi-million-pound investment is RWE's first synchronous condenser project in the UK and represents a major milestone in the company's plans to develop the Pembroke site.
The event also marks the delivery of two major energy infrastructure projects within the Celtic Freeport region, highlighting the role Pembrokeshire is playing in supporting the UK's energy transition and long-term economic growth.
Awarded under NESO’s Pathfinder 3 procurement process in late 2022, the Pembroke project is now delivering new grid stability services to the electricity transmission system. The technology will help maintain a secure and resilient electricity network, enabling increasing volumes of renewable energy to connect to the grid.
Unlike a conventional power station, a synchronous condenser does not generate electricity. Instead, it provides critical services that help stabilise the network by supporting network voltage levels, providing inertia and strengthening the transmission system as increasing amounts of renewable generation come online.
Nikolaus Valerius, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RWE Generation SE, said: "This is RWE's first synchronous condenser project. It demonstrates how existing energy sites such as Pembroke can continue to play an important role in supporting the energy transition through targeted technologies and infrastructure.
"As more renewable generation connects to the grid, maintaining system stability becomes increasingly important. This investment strengthens the resilience of the electricity network while supporting our ambition to develop Pembroke as a leading energy hub."
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “People in Pembroke and across the country deserve an energy system that works for them, not one that leaves families exposed to crises and price shocks thousands of miles away.
“This is what rebuilding our energy system should look like: investing in places like Pembroke, creating good, skilled jobs and building a stronger grid that makes the most of the clean power we produce here at home.”
The synchronous condenser forms part of RWE's wider Pembroke Power Station site ambitions, which seek to build on the site's existing energy infrastructure by developing and deploying technologies capable of supporting a secure, affordable and lower-carbon energy system.
Construction activity began in 2023 and the project has supported jobs throughout the construction phase and brought significant investment into the local economy.
The technology helps address one of the key challenges associated with the transition to a low-carbon electricity system. As conventional power stations with large amounts of inherent inertia run less frequently and as more renewable generation connects to the grid, technologies such as synchronous condensers provide the stability services needed to keep the electricity system secure and resilient.
The project demonstrates how existing energy sites can continue to play a vital role in Britain's current and future energy system while supporting economic growth and investment across Wales.
Pictures for media use are available from the RWE Media Centre here.
