Modern power grids require a range of technical services to maintain stable operations that have historically been provided by coal and gas-fired generators and industrial loads. As weather dependent renewables increase their share of the total power supply mix, the demand for these support services grows acutely.
5.4%
share of coal in 2028, down from 30% in 2024, and it continued to decline toward zero by 20251
1,990
frequency events were recorded in the UK in 2018, more than doubling from 708 in 2014 — highlighting a sharp rise in grid volatility over that period.2
Synchronous condensers, rapid and peak response generators, voltage support services and coordinated demand response are now urgently required by all power systems in transition as their need for flexibility, firming of reliable supply and grid reliability grows. These new support assets and reliability services are critical enablers of a secure grid and represent a growing infrastructure investment opportunity within the energy transition thematic.
Quinbrook is an early mover and innovator in grid stability infrastructure with a demonstrable track record already established in this nascent sector, having developed the UK’s largest portfolio of grid support, stability, and flexibility assets. With over 375 MW of projects across 52 distributed sites in the UK, Quinbrook is at the forefront of providing essential peak power and ancillary grid services that facilitate the integration of intermittent renewables into the grid.
In addition, proven technologies such as synchronous condensers and the application of AI and machine learning for optimising dispatchable peakers, battery storage and demand response each offer further potential. These ‘old but new’ infrastructure assets will play a crucial role in ensuring grid resilience and offer a differentiated infrastructure investment opportunity.
2 Energy Reports, 2020
