Ireland is replacing the generator sets in a disused coal-fired power station with a giant flywheel to provide spinning reserve inertia to maintain grid stability in sudden load-generation mismatch situations, giving vital seconds to bring more generation capacity on stream. Replacing coal/gas turbines with renewables reduces the inertia of the system, making it less stable. Replacing that inertia at disused coal-fired stations is a logical solution, as high capacity grid connections are already there at no extra cost. If grid instability through lack of inertia was indeed the problem with this blackout, no doubt other national grid operators will take note and follow the Irish example.
Ireland is replacing the generator sets in a disused coal-fired power station with a giant flywheel to provide spinning reserve inertia to maintain grid stability in sudden load-generation mismatch situations, giving vital seconds to bring more generation capacity on stream. Replacing coal/gas turbines with renewables reduces the inertia of the system, making it less stable. Replacing that inertia at disused coal-fired stations is a logical solution, as high capacity grid connections are already there at no extra cost. If grid instability through lack of inertia was indeed the problem with this blackout, no doubt other national grid operators will take note and follow the Irish example.
https://www.powerengineeringint.com/decentralized-energy/equipment-technology/irish-flywheel-storage-project-could-prove-crucial-tech-for-eu-green-ambitions/