Siemens Energy and Amprion seal technology partnership for reliable and innovative grid management

• ARESS innovation project contributes to grid control and stabilization, paving the way for the energy transition in Germany
• Cooperation develops an asynchronous phase shifter

The German transmission system operator Amprion and  Siemens Energy signed a cooperation agreement today in Mülheim an der Ruhr in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, on the close cooperation in the development of new technologies controlling electrical networks. Together, the two companies are developing the first asynchronous phase shifter called Asynchronous Rotating Energy System Stabilizer (ARESS) for a network frequency of 50 Hertz (Hz). Dr. Hendrik Neumann, Technical Director of Amprion, and Dr. Jochen Eickholt, member of the Managing Board of Siemens Energy, signed the agreement in the presence of North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy, Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart.

“The increased feed-in of renewable, volatile energy, for example from wind and sun, will lead to noticeable changes in the power grids in the future. We must take precautions by implementing stabilization mechanisms. I am pleased, that with this promising pilot project the two companies are making a significant contribution to the energy transition in Germany and are thus strengthening this location for innovative energy technology,” said Minister Pinkwart.

Due to the increase of renewable energy sources with fluctuating feed-in, the operational requirements of the transmission networks in Germany and Europe are changing. So-called reactive power is essential for maintaining voltage in the power grid.

“Until now, the reactive power was mainly provided by generators in large power plants. In the course of the energy transition many of them are going offline. Therefore, Amprion is now investing more and more in innovative alternative solutions for grid stabilization, such as ARESS,” emphasized Dr. Neumann.

ARESS, the first rotating asynchronous phase shifter for a mains frequency of 50 Hz, is a holistic solution for grid stabilization. An essential technological component of the asynchronous phase shifter system ARESS is an innovative frequency converter and a new, double-fed asynchronous machine with an optional flywheel.

"Siemens Energy has extensive expertise in various technology areas, which is crucial for the development of this pioneering combination of converter technology and rotating machines," said Dr. Eickholt. "With today's signature, we and Amprion are sealing our joint project to further advance the energy transition in Germany".