Spanish Grid Operator Red Eléctrica Has Launched Its First Batch Of Dynamic Voltage Control (VT) Renewable Energy Projects

 

Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica has launched its first batch of dynamic voltage control (VT) renewable energy projects, with 24 power plants completing testing and eligible for priority dispatch.

 

Red Eléctrica, the Spanish system operator, recently completed access testing for its first batch of renewable energy power plants using VT services. This service is based on the new version of Operating Regulation No. 7.4, proposed by the operator in 2020 and approved by the National Market Regulatory Commission in June of this year. The system operator is ready to launch the service once the power plants complete their notification procedures.

 

Currently, a total of 168 access applications have been received, 125 of which are from non-dispatchable renewable energy plants. 24 power plants are ready for testing, while the remaining applicants are either unable to maintain voltage control compliance or are in the supplementary materials stage. In addition to non-dispatchable renewable energy plants, traditional power generation centers such as combined cycle power plants and hydropower plants have also submitted applications. However, the current regulations prioritize non-dispatchable renewable energy projects because they can provide the system with entirely new regulation resources.

 

Power plants participating in this service will receive dispatch priority and the authority to reduce maximum power ramp rates. Under the new regulations, power plants must demonstrate capabilities in two voltage control technologies: reactive power control command mode and voltage command tracking mode. The latter can respond in real time to rapid voltage fluctuations in the power grid, providing crucial flexibility support for the power system currently undergoing transformation.

 

Currently, the voltage limit of the Spanish transmission network remains at 435 kV. Adjusting the operating limit to 420 kV would require structural modifications, significantly increasing technical constraints and compromising voltage stability. Voltage control services implemented through reactive power control commands cannot adapt to rapid voltage changes; therefore, power plants must simultaneously possess voltage command tracking capabilities.