A Milestone in Grid-Forming ESS: First Projects Using Huawei's Smart Renewable Energy Generator Solution Successfully Complete Grid-Connection Tests

The world's first batch of grid-forming energy storage plants has passed grid-connection tests in China, a crucial step in integrating renewables into power systems. Huawei's Grid-Forming Smart Renewable Energy Generator Solution achieved this milestone, demonstrating its successful large-scale application.

Since March 2024, CR Power* (25 MW/100 MWh, Hami, wind+ESS, string architecture) and CGDG* (50 MW/100 MWh, Golmud, Qinghai, multi-energy) have completed groundbreaking performance tests of 100 MWh grid-forming energy storage plants with the guidance and support of local energy bureaus, SGCC*, and China Electric Power Research Institute. ZDI* (6 MW/24 MWh) also completed such tests in Ngari Prefecture, where the power grid is weak and under conditions of high altitude and low temperature.

As power systems shift toward low-carbon sources, the high penetration of renewable energy and power electronics equipment will impact the stability of power grids worldwide. In order to achieve sustainable development of renewables, many countries and regions must improve the grid integration performance of PV, wind, energy storage system (ESS), and other power systems that utilize power electronic equipment, enabling such equipment to have the same characteristics as traditional synchronous generators. Huawei Digital Power is dedicated to enhancing the safety and stability of renewable integration by combining digital and power electronics technologies, leveraging technical experience, and collaborating with global power companies, grid enterprises, and electricity providers.

Photo: CR Power 25 MW/100 MWh grid-forming energy storage project

The CR Power* 25 MW/100 MWh grid-forming energy storage project has successfully passed unit, site, and system-level tests, including high/low voltage disturbance, phase angle jump, low-frequency oscillation, damping performance, and grid following/grid-forming mode switching tests, making it the world's first of its kind. These tests have confirmed the ESS's ability to operate stably and provide support during stable/transient states in utility-scale projects. The project also completed the world's first black start test for string grid-forming energy storage in on-grid scenarios, reducing the black start time to minutes, compared to several hours or even days with traditional solutions.

Photo: CGDG 50 MW/100 MWh energy storage project for multi-energy renewable power plant in Golmud, Qinghai

The CGDG* renewable energy plant in Golmud, Qinghai, uses multiple energy sources, including PV, wind, solar thermal, and conventional energy storage. It is powered by a 50 MW/100 MWh Huawei grid-forming Smart String ESS solution, which has been verified through performance tests to have excellent grid-forming capabilities, compatibility with various types of power supplies, and parallel operation capabilities of multiple devices. These tests included a world-first 35 kV and 110 kV short-circuit test, during which 600 power conversion systems (PCS) were running stably and provided quick reactive power support for the system under fault conditions.

Photo: ZDI 6 MW/24 MWh energy storage project

Ngari Prefecture has an average altitude of 4500 m and experiences winter temperatures below –20°C. Its power grid is weak and faced with a rapid increase in local power consumption. To meet the electricity demands, ZDI* conducted grid-connection tests (including primary frequency regulation, inertia response, grid resilience, high and low voltage ride-through, and grid adaptability test in grid-following/grid-forming mode), and a 35 kV short-circuit test of Huawei's Grid-Forming Smart Renewable Energy Generator Solution, which enhances power grid strength and resilience to disturbances, significantly improving on-grid power generation capability. Huawei's solution plays a crucial role in ensuring power supply and improving renewable integration in Ngari Prefecture under high altitude, low temperature, and weak power grid conditions.

The preceding tests for each project have generated valuable data and experience for mitigating safety and stability risks associated with integrating a high proportion of renewables into power systems. Grid-forming energy storage plants can strengthen renewable power plants and provide stable support during transient states, improving local grid integration of renewable energy. Huawei's Grid-Forming Smart Renewable Energy Generator Solution has advanced from "grid-following" to "grid-forming," representing a significant breakthrough in power electronic grid-forming technology, a crucial step toward building new power systems, and a major technical milestone toward carbon neutrality.

*Note:
CR Power: China Resources Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
CGDG: China Green Development Investment Group Co., Ltd.
SGCC: State Grid Corporation of China
ZDI: Xizang Development and Investment Co., Ltd.