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Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager specializing in energy transition infrastructure, has announced the completion and operational launch of its Rothienorman synchronous condenser project in North East Scotland. This project is one of ten selected under the National Energy System Operator (NESO) Pathfinder II programme and marks a significant milestone as the first synchronous condenser project to achieve commercial operation in the initiative. The Pathfinder II programme supports critical investments in the UK’s transmission infrastructure, playing a key role in advancing the country’s net-zero goals. Keith Gains, Managing Director and Regional Leader UK for Quinbrook, mentioned, “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. Pathfinder II was specifically implemented to enhance inertia and short-circuit level in Scotland due to its growing asynchronous wind farm capacity combined with the retirement of synchronous nuclear and thermal generation assets. We are thrilled to have successfully delivered the first synchronous condenser under the programme to reach commercial operations in partnership with Welsh Power.” Matt Magill, Engineering and Customer Solutions Director, NESO, stated, “The 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. Projects such as these will help maintain our world-leading levels of reliability, whilst enabling new technologies and innovations to reduce costs for consumers.” The NESO Stability Pathfinder II programme provides long-term, inflation-linked contracts to ensure critical grid services. A total of ten projects were awarded contracts under Pathfinder II, amounting to GBP 323 million in future revenues. Quinbrook secured more than half of this total, winning contracts for seven of the awarded projects. Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners began construction of its Rothienorman project in February 2023, collaborating with Welsh Power from the initial concept to commissioning. Siemens-Energy AG supplied the key equipment for the project. Quinbrook anticipates that its projects awarded contracts under the Pathfinder II programme will create over 550 jobs during construction. Earlier this year, Quinbrook secured £120 million in debt financing for its synchronous condenser projects, marking the first-ever portfolio financing for synchronous condensers under the NESO Stability Pathfinder Programme’s Phases I and II. Once completed and operational, Quinbrook’s portfolio of seven synchronous condensers is expected to generate over 1,500 jobs across local communities in the UK, with a total capital investment of more than GBP 430 million. |
