Demonstration of the use of flexible electrical demand to assist Electrical grid facilitate higher levels of renewable power

Introduction

Aughinish Alumina wishes to install and operate a first-of-a-kind High Pressure Electric Boiler Unit which will demonstrate decarbonisation of a high-temperature energy plant. This project is a large-scale pilot that will showcase the benefits of demand-side frequency response to an electrical grid aiming to be a world leader in renewable generation.

Scalability Potential

The project has the potential to be scaled up within Aughinish to 10 times the size of this pilot project, as well as to numerous industries within Ireland and Europe that require energy in the form of heat.

Benefits of the Project

The ability to create additional demand when levels of renewables are high will ensure that levels of curtailment of wind generation will reduce. This will also contribute to lowering carbon emissions through the displacement of fossil fuels such as gas and oil.

Innovative Aspects

This project is innovative as it provides additional benefits outside of carbon reductions. The electric boiler offers large-scale grid services that reduce curtailment on the grid and increase the usage of renewable energy.

1. The CO2 savings come from:
   • Reduction of natural gas use on-site.
   • Providing system services that would otherwise be supplied by fossil fuel generators.

Its flexibility will provide electrical grid operators with a service essential to maintain security and stability on a system with increasing levels of renewable generation.

Technology Applications

Once demonstrated, the technology can be scaled both larger and smaller, with applications including but not limited to:

• Pharmaceutical
• Food
• Oil & Gas
• Chemicals

Project Delivery Capability

Aughinish has delivered many large projects and is uniquely positioned to execute this project, with extensive knowledge of the electricity market and in-house engineering capabilities.

Conclusion

The project is technically ready, scalable, will reduce carbon emissions, allow greater levels of renewable electricity on the Irish power grid, and help the electrical system operator maintain a stable power grid.