Solar Chat with Frank Berring: The Power of Grid Forming Inverter Technology

In preparation for the NY-BEST webinar, “Introduction to Grid Forming Inverter Controls and the Opportunity for Network Benefits in New York,” I sat down with Frank Berring, Director of Business Development for Large Scale at SMA America, to get a sneak peek at what he and other industry experts will cover. Frank will be joined by Laurence Copson, Energy Storage Specialist from Zenobe, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM EST.

TM: Can you start by explaining what Grid Forming (GFM) inverter controls are and why they’re important right now? 

FB: Grid Forming (GFM) inverter controls represent a key advancement in inverter technology that enables inverter-based resources (IBRs), like solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), to provide the critical Stability Services that are inherently provided by synchronous generators.  As the energy transition accelerates, those traditional synchronous generators are being retired, and new generation is almost entirely from IBRs. The resulting gap in stability services can be quantified and backfilled by properly designed IBRs with grid forming functionality, enabling both network stability, and the continued transition to renewable generation. 

TM: And why is this technology particularly relevant in New York right now? 

FB: New York has set ambitious renewable energy goals, leading to a significant increase in renewable penetration. This transition, while positive, also brings challenges in grid stability, especially as fossil-based generation sources are phased out. GFM BESS deployment can bridge that gap by providing essential stability services that were traditionally handled by these conventional power plants – such as, providing inertia as an instantaneous response to frequency deviations, or increased short circuit contribution to improve system strength.  They are also capable of blackstarting, which opens up new avenues for improving resiliency.   

TM: Sounds like Grid Forming is positioned to be a game-changer! What will you and Laurence Copson cover in the webinar? 

FB: I’ll start with the basics—introducing GFM inverter controls, the functional – or behavioral – characteristics they provide, and the potential they have to enhance network stability when integrated with energy storage.  I’ll also touch on a real-world example where creation of a stability market has enabled very cost-effective deployment of GFM as a multi-use asset.  Laurence will share insights into Zenobe’s international success deploying GFM BESS, and how it could bring significant value to the people of New York. 

TM: Can you expand on how Grid Forming with battery storage can save ratepayers money? 

FB: Definitely. By pairing GFM technology with battery storage, a generation asset can take advantage of typical use-case revenue streams like energy arbitrage, or primary frequency reserves, but they are also able to offer the grid essential services like frequency regulation and voltage support that have historically required single-use transmission equipment or synchronous generators.  And as I mentioned before, don’t underestimate the value of being blackstart capable!  By deploying these versatile, renewable-based solutions, grid operators and system planners reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and lower the costs that ultimately impact ratepayers.  

TM: What about regulatory challenges? Are there any barriers to unlocking these benefits in New York? 

FB: There are some regulatory hurdles, yes. Extracting the maximum value from these assets requires optimization of their design around providing stability services, and it’s currently challenging for the asset owner to monetize the change in investment costs. We’ll discuss specific recommendations for policy adjustments that could make it easier to bring these benefits to New York and beyond. 

TM: This all sounds incredibly promising. How can people join the webinar?

FB: The webinar is free to attend, and you can register through the NY-BEST website. We’re hoping to see a strong turnout from those interested in learning more about GFM and its potential to transform grid operations in New York. This technology holds a lot of promise, and we’re excited to dive deeper into its possibilities.

Join Frank Berring for this insightful session on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 1:00-2:00 PM EST. Register for free today through NY-BEST and learn how Grid Forming technology could help shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future for New York and beyond.