Business

UPM Energy to install ultracapacitor at Kuusankoski hydropower for grid balancing

UPM Energy to install ultracapacitor at Kuusankoski hydropower for grid balancing
(photo courtesy UPM Energy)

UPM Energy in Finland is making the second phase investment in its ultracapacitor project, which will further strengthen the ability of hydropower to balance the grid, with a new installation at the Kuusankoski hydropower plant that is expected to be operational by summer 2025.

The system was piloted at the 10 MW Katerma hydropower site in 2022, and the concept is being replicated at the 30 MW Kuusankoski project. The Kuusankoski ultracapacitor system will enable UPM Energy to provide faster reserves through short-term energy storage, responding to grid balancing needs in milliseconds, according to a release.

This responsiveness is crucial as the transmission grid operators are trying to cope with the increased volatility in electricity supply, the company said. This has been brought about by the rapid growth of weather-dependent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.

UPM Energy is the second largest electricity producer in Finland, and 99% of its portfolio is CO2-free. The Kuusankoski project will use modern digital systems and automation processes to optimize the performance of the energy system and provide more balancing power to the grid.

“The ultracapacitor concept has proven its capability at Katerma and it will be an essential part of the hydropower generation,” says Antti Raukola, project manager at UPM Energy. “This technology is not just about innovation, but also about preparing for the future of grid balancing.”

Ultracapacitors are known for their ability to discharge at high power and react in milliseconds without losing capacity. They are maintenance-free and have a significantly longer lifetime than batteries, making them an ideal choice for sustainable energy solutions.