IFA 2 Interconnector Trip Event

This morning at 9:00 AM, the GB power system experienced asignificant event when the IFA2 interconnector tripped, leading to a sudden loss of 923 MW of imported power.

This event caused the system frequency to drop below 49.65 Hz, triggering an immediate response from ancillary services to restore stability.

Key Observations:

1. Frequency Response: The system frequency recovered within the standard time limits of ancillary services, indicating that the frequency containment and response mechanisms operated effectively.

2. Fast-Acting Generation & Storage Response:OCGT (Open Cycle Gas Turbines) ramped up quickly to compensate for the lost generation.

3. Pumped storage injected 500 MW, demonstrating its crucial role in stabilising the system.

Wind & Demand Coverage:

1. Wind generation was around 9 GW, covering approximately 23% of the total system demand.

2. It's interesting to consider: if wind penetration was 50%, or even higher, how would the system frequency have responded to the same event?

Implications for Grid Stability:This event highlights the importance of system flexibility and the effectiveness of ancillary services in handling sudden disturbances. As the GB power system transitions towards net-zero, its reliance on interconnectors, storage, and fast-response generation will continue to grow. It's also interesting to consider the role of battery storage and demand-side response in stabilising frequency during this event, and how their effectiveness may be improved in future incidents.

This analysis was kindly provided by Dlzar Al Kez. Dlzar is a Research Associate in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester; LinkedIn: Dlzar Al Kez | LinkedIn