The UK Government has set ambitious targets of 50GW of offshore wind installed on the GB transmission system by 2030. Increasing these inverter-based resources provides new opportunities for stability services via grid forming control (GFM) of power electronic converters. The GFM control can help deal with issues synonymous with future electricity systems, such as low inertia and low fault levels. However, while using a GFM approach has benefits, significant energy storage investment is needed.
This project will investigate new methods and control strategies for when additional energy storage is not needed. In particular, this project will help develop an understanding of the potential for data-driven intelligent control of wind turbines while delivering a techno-economic comparison of various control strategies.
Benefits
This project aims to provide several benefits, including reducing constraints associated with the need for additional energy storage investments in offshore wind farms with limited space. Implementing minimised GFM (MinGFM) stability services, relying on software upgrades, can significantly reduce costs compared to standard GFM, which requires substantial energy storage investment.
MinGFM stability services can also be an essential grid connection requirement, reducing associated service costs. Additionally, appropriate entry requirements can increase competition in the offshore wind market and benefit both generators and consumers through reduced costs. The project's outcomes can help shape new ESO policies and strategies for creating a portfolio of stability control services utilising GFM, accelerating the UK's net-zero energy transition.
Learnings
Outcomes
The outcomes of the project are summarised as follows:
- MinGFM (i.e. Minimised GFM without no additional energy storage) for WTGs, STATCOM, and OW-HVDC systems can deliver compliant GFM capability without relying on additional energy storage
- Detailed MinGFM control strategies were designed and implemented for WTGs, STATCOM, and OW-HVDC systems.
- Validated EMT models of MinGFM-controlled WTGs, STATCOM, and OW-HVDC systems were developed.
- Comprehensive Grid Code-aligned compliance simulation tests were completed for each MinGFM technology.
- Case studies incorporating multiple technical constraints — including current limits, modulation limits, and intrinsic energy resource limits — were systematically examined to define operational boundaries.
- A techno-economic framework was established to compare MinGFM-only and storage-augmented solutions, identifying cost reduction pathways through intrinsic energy utilisation.
The project generated the following key deliverables:
- MinGFM Progress Report: WP1
- MinGFM Progress Report: WP2
- MinGFM Final Report
- A conference paper of ACDC Conference 2025: C. Wu, X. Ma, X. -P. Zhang, Y. Liu, X. Zhou and R. Rabbani, "Automatic resynchronization of grid forming controlled type-4 wind turbine generators," 22nd IET International Conference on AC and DC Power Transmission (ACDC Global 2025), Birmingham, UK, 2025, pp. 320-325, doi: 10.1049/icp.2025.1225
Lessons Learnt
The project identified several practical lessons that can inform the planning and delivery of future innovation initiatives.
Early definition of compliance testing requirements
Compliance testing requirements were introduced at a late stage rather than the beginning of WP1, which contributed to a delay in the final submission of WP1. Future projects should define required compliance test scenarios at the outset to improve planning certainty and minimise the risk of timeline extensions.
Flexibility in project planning
WP2 was initially focused on developing data-driven smart controllers for offshore WTGs. As the project progressed and industry priorities evolved, the scope was adjusted to include a detailed assessment of MinGFM STATCOM performance. This refinement ensured stronger alignment with emerging system operator needs and highlights the value of maintaining adaptive project governance in innovation delivery.
Conducting comprehensive sensitivity analysis in system studies
During WP2, sensitivity analysis was introduced to identify the impact of key parameters on response performance. This approach proved essential in defining the precise technical requirements for achieving optimal GFM operation.
Future projects should incorporate structured sensitivity analysis at an early stage to better anticipate varying operating conditions and deployment requirements.
