EnergyChannel presents: SMA leads the revolution in power system stability with advanced grid-forming solutions
- EnergyChannel - United States.
- May 5
- 3 min read
In the pursuit of increasingly sustainable energy systems, integrating renewable sources drives the need for technological innovation to ensure grid stability and resilience. In this context, SMA, one of the global leaders in renewable energy technologies, emerges as a pioneer in implementing grid-forming solutions — an approach set to transform the future of energy systems by enabling safe and efficient connection of intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind.
What is grid-forming technology?
Unlike traditional solutions that rely on synchronous generators to maintain system stability, grid-forming focuses on enabling inverters and energy storage systems—such as batteries—to provide support autonomously and continuously. This technology allows inverters to act as true “founders” of the grid, creating and maintaining voltage and frequency even under adverse conditions, such as load oscillations or localized faults.
Since its first demonstration in 2017 on the island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, grid-forming technology has been tested at real scale, proving its effectiveness in operating isolated networks without synchronous machines, with rapid responses to faults and sudden load changes. In this process, intelligent software and advanced hardware, developed by SMA, play a vital role in stabilizing the grid, incorporating sophisticated controls that simulate the behavior of synchronous machines—yet with greater efficiency and flexibility.
SMA’s solutions at the forefront of innovation
SMA has established itself as a leader in adopting technologies that elevate the standards of stability in renewable energy sectors. Its next-generation inverters, which combine robust hardware with intelligent controls, provide inertia, system stability support, and instant responses to disturbances. Additionally, integrating battery storage expands these capabilities, transforming the inverters into multifunctional assets capable of supporting the grid, managing congestion, and delivering other critical services.
Iconic projects like Blackhillock in Scotland exemplify this leadership. With an operational phase of 200 MW already in place and a second stage under development, the project showcases SMA solutions’ power in enabling a clean, efficient, and reliable energy transition. By enhancing stability, reducing emissions, and delivering economic benefits to consumers, Blackhillock marks a significant milestone on the UK’s journey toward a low-carbon economy.
International Impact and Future Outlook
While success is evident in the UK, SMA’s experience and its partners’ in Australia, Germany, the United States, and other countries highlight the global relevance of grid-forming technology. In Australia, for example, projects supported by the local government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) involve investments in the hundreds of millions of dollars to integrate batteries with system support capabilities, establishing the country as a regional leader in energy innovation.
Although initial investment in grid-forming technologies may be higher than traditional solutions, the long-term benefits—such as increased reliability, reduced operational costs, higher renewable integration, and the potential for revenue through ancillary services—make this a smart and sustainable strategy. Moving forward, the role of grid-forming inverters will expand, especially with the development of stabilization markets and virtual inertia services, driving a true revolution in the energy sector.
Perspectives and Challenges
Based on current experiences and ongoing projects, it’s clear that grid-forming technology will be essential in transitioning to more resilient, decentralized, and renewable energy systems. SMA invests continuously in research and development to refine its solutions and expand their applicability.
The road ahead involves not only technical advancements but also regulatory and economic innovations that incentivize the adoption of intelligent assets and new market players in system stability services. Collaboration among companies, governments, and academia will be crucial to accelerate this transformation, ensuring a move toward a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable energy matrix.
Conclusion
SMA’s experience in developing grid-forming solutions highlights a paradigm shift in how we conceive, operate, and invest in energy systems. Technologies offering greater autonomy, agility, and system support represent the future—a future where renewable energy integration is not only possible but also economically viable and environmentally responsible. Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, the energy sector is heading toward a new era of stability and sustainability.
EnergyChannel presents: SMA leads the revolution in power system stability with advanced grid-forming solutions
Comments