Ripple Energy wind farm?

QrizB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81991906#Comment_81991906

Yes, sorry, typo!

QrizB

Derril Water is being curtailed for the entire summer because of grid constraints:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jul/12/solar-farm-forced-to-shut-derril-water-biggest-grid-overload-fears

That's a bit of a shame, although the article suggests that by next summer there will be grid improvements that mean this is a one-off. (They were due to be completed last year, but ran late).

Netexporter

I nearly invested in Derril Water but I'm glad I stuck at Kirk Hill. Got my initial solar free on ECO4 but I shall be doubling my array with the money I didn't spend on DW.

NedS

There is a great explanation of the issues at Derril Water Solar Farm on another forum, here:

https://renewableheatinghub.co.uk/forums/solar-photovoltaic-pv/solar-energy-no-thanks/paged/3/

QrizB

Sounds as though North Devon needs a synchronous condenser, stat!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronous_condenser

(Hmm, Wikipedia says they're generally driven by a DC motor. Can anyone think of a large source of DC that might be nearby?)

Netexporter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82068476#Comment_82068476

Reading between the lines I think that is the piece of upgrade work that has been delayed. The sub-station at Alverdiscott had a big upgrade and I'd have thought that would be the spot for an SC to go, especially as the Xlink cables from Morocco were planned to join the grid there. I used to live down that way and as far as I can recall the only spinning plant was a CCGT near Plymouth and the waste incinerator at Exeter. Next nearest is Hinkley, which I suspect might be off for maintenance/refuelling.

ed110220

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82068483#Comment_82068483

The last operating Hinkley reactor closed in 2022 when it reached the end of its life. I understand the graphite blocks in the Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors like those at Hinkley B eventually crack and deform under the heat and radiation that they are subject to. They're impractical to replace so this puts a hard limit on the safe life in a way that isn't found with pressurised water reactors like Sizewell B which has been given permission to operate for sixty years.

JKenH

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82068476#Comment_82068476

My understanding is the immediate cause of the shutdown was a directive by NESO to switch off a massive super-grid transformer to prevent it from overheating under the combined weight of commercial solar farms and local rooftop solar generation. I think the management of DWSPare very optimistic if they think the problem will completely go away after the upgrades at Alverdiscott sub station. The current total developer capacity built or actively operational at the site sits at 465 MW (including the 42MW of DWSP) which is significantly higher than the 240 MVA reverse power limit of the site. Yes in September it will go up to 395 MW but as more domestic rooftop solar is added it may well be constrained the next couple of summers until a third transformer due to be added in 2028-2030 fully resolves the problem.

Devon is a popular spot for solar with an estimated 10% of houses in Devon having solar panels which is probably considerably more than was anticipated when DWSP was planned.

Netexporter

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82068534#Comment_82068534

Ah, I'd missed Hinkley B closing. I'd already left the area by then. So even worse than I thought.

thevilla

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82068668#Comment_82068668

Sounds like Derril Water and others really need battery storage to shift supply to evening. Such a shame Ripple went under as it's hard to see how DW would manage that now with a volunteer board. They did remarkably well just finishing off the project. I worry for the future financial viability with delays in starting production due to faulty kit, £2m lost revenue this summer and still £2m costs to finish the project.

I saw something on Modo Energy YouTube channel (I think) it is much harder to get approval for solar plus battery as they're treated separately. That results in them being deployed physically separately which seems incredibly inefficient!