Genesal strengthens backup power infrastructure for the Ireland–France grid interconnection

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European energy security takes another step forward with the first submarine electrical link between Ireland and France. Stretching over nearly 575 kilometres (500 km under the sea) and with a capacity of 700 MW, this project will enable bidirectional energy exchange between the two countries, reinforcing grid stability, the integration of renewable energy—particularly offshore wind—and competition in electricity markets.

Genesal Energy has taken part in this major submarine interconnection project supplying two generator sets designed to ensure continuous power availability under any operating scenario.

Backup power for a strategic infrastructure

The first unit, a 1,100 kVA main generator set, is responsible for supplying the highest-demand auxiliary loads and providing power during start-up phases or in the event of grid failure. Its role is essential to maintaining system operability at all times, even in the face of unforeseen incidents or disconnections from the main grid.

The secondary 137 kVA generator set is dedicated to supporting control systems, safety systems, emergency lighting and critical communications. Thanks to its design and rapid response capability, it ensures that the most sensitive equipment within the installation continues to operate with total reliability.

The mission of both units is to secure the operational resilience of the system. In extreme situations or grid interruptions, the generator sets supply power to control, protection and communication equipment, ensuring service continuity while preventing damage to the infrastructure.

Engineering tailored to the most demanding conditions

The client required reliable auxiliary power for control, SCADA, cooling, ventilation and pumping systems, as well as black-start capability to support the converters even when the AC grid is unavailable.

The Genesal Energy engineering team designed two fully customised soundproofed generator sets, optimising every element to adapt to the project’s constraints in terms of space, safety and operation.

One of the main challenges was integrating load banks inside the generator sets, which required redesigning the electrical cabinets and optimising the internal layout of the container. Internal double-wall fuel tanks were also designed with leak detection systems and bunded trays, guaranteeing maximum environmental protection.

In addition, the units incorporate air conditioning, panic locks, anchoring plates and structural reinforcement elements, among other customised components developed to meet the project’s stringent standards.

Key features of the GEN1100YC

  • Separate Power Cabinets and Control Cabinet integrated into an independent electrical room inside the soundproof container.
  • 400 kW load bank integrated into a dedicated room inside the same soundproof container.
  • Coolant recirculation and heating system for optimal start-up.
  • Air conditioning in the control room.
  • C5H (RAL 7035) surface treatment according to ISO 12944 for maximum resistance in industrial and coastal environments.
  • 900 L double-wall baseframe fuel tank with liquid collection system.
  • External above-ground double-wall 5,000 L steel tank painted to match the generator container.
  • Automatic fuel transfer system with double-wall piping and leak detection via vacuum console.
  • Independent leak detection for: baseframe tank, external tank and double-wall piping.
  • Supply of supports and tray between the container and external tank for overhead routing of transfer piping and electrical cables.
  • Panic bars, anchoring plates and customised structural supports.

Key features of the GEN137FI

  • Special 800 L double-wall bunded baseframe tank designed to collect all engine liquids (oil and coolant).
  • Double-wall leak sensor for the tank monitored through vacuum console.
  • Manual crank pump for filling the tank.
  • Earthing coil with clamp for the tank.
  • Enclosure painted in the client’s required colour with C5H surface treatment according to ISO 12944.
  • Engine coolant recirculation and heating system to ensure optimal start-up temperature.
  • 60 kW internal load bank integrated inside the enclosure.
  • Additional 4 Pole motorised breaker (80A) for load bank connection, integrated into an independent Power Cabinet fully isolated from the main group breaker.

Genesal Energy strengthens energy security in the Dominican Republic

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According to official data, the Dominican Republic has experienced sustained growth in energy demand in recent decades, driven by increased industrial, commercial and residential activity.

To ensure a reliable electricity supply, a robust infrastructure and systems that guarantee continuity of service, even in the face of unforeseen events, are required. Genesal Energy has designed and installed a generator set for a critical electrical substation in Guayubín.

The main objective of the project is that the substation can effectively manage the electricity coming from power stations and power plants, transform the voltage and connect to the large distribution lines that supply large areas of the country.

The importance of the genset in an electrical substation

The role of a generator set in a power substation is essential to the safety and stability of the system. Substations, as key nodes in the power grid, are responsible for the distribution of power to large regions, and a prolonged interruption in their operation could leave thousands of people without power. A generator set acts as an immediate backup in the event of failures, keeping control, protection and communications systems operational. It also ensures the continuity of critical services such as transformer cooling, plant lighting and equipment overload protection, minimising the risk of damage.

Our customer needed a solution to guarantee the supply of the substation’s AC auxiliary services. So a soundproofed generator set was designed, which can be activated automatically according to the substation’s requirements, providing the necessary energy at key moments.

The Guayubín electrical substation project is an example of how Genesal Energy provides innovative and customised energy solutions to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s electrical infrastructure. Thanks to the installation of this generator set, the substation will be able to operate reliably and efficiently, guaranteeing a continuous supply of energy at critical times and contributing to the energy development of the country.

Our Engineering Solution

Genesal Energy’s engineering team developed a soundproofed 3800mm canopy genset with a 600 litre fuel tank, tailored to the customer’s specific requirements. The genset power was customised to allow for a 350 KCM gauge connection, per phase, with terminals for a 185 mm² cross-section. In addition, the design included a control system that allows cable entry to manage multiple connections.

As the project progressed, the need was identified to install an additional 500-gallon (approximately 2,000 litres) external tank, located 10 metres from the generator set. To ensure a continuous flow of fuel, an automatic transfer system with a booster pump and solenoid valves was implemented, which involved several adaptations to the canopy and tank design.

Features

  • Calculation of the necessary sections for the inlet and outlet of gases in the room.
  • Automatic fuel transfer system, with maximum level buoy, minimum level buoy by gauge, transfer impulsion pump, solenoid valve to cut off or control the system, among others.
  • Machining of the tank and canopy for the appropriate adaptations of the transfer.
  • Oversized silencer model (-30dB).
  • Engine heating system 1000W.
  • 600 L fuel tank.

We’re growing in the French market: emergency power for a Gallic electrical substation in Ghana

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At Genesal Energy we’ve just supplied emergency power to an electrical substation in Ghana, an ambicious project by one of the main engineering and construction firms in France.

We’ve provided two symmetrical generator sets which will power a new bitumen plant in this African country if, for whatever reason, the mains power fails.

Our participation in this project is part of our policy of expansion in the Gallic market, detecting its specific needs in order to fully comply with the clients’ requests as well as the regulations established by French, and of course European, legislation.

In the case of Ghana, the project consisted in manufacturing bespoke generator sets for a great bitumen manufacturing plant (bitumen is an essential material in the creation of asphalt agglomerate which is used in the construction of roads, insulation and many other applications).

All bitumen plants make use of complex heating systems during the production of the material and a loss of power can generate important issues and even bring the activity to a halt, as the absence of electricity would cause the solidification of materials and, in consequence, considerable losses.

In extreme cases, an electrical failure can force the substitution of the plant’s piping. The generator sets are also used in these facilities as emergency power for the auxiliary services and lighting with the objective of maximizing safety throughout the property, becoming an essential part of these types of facilities

Technical design

For the Ghana power plant, our engineering team provided a bespoke solution for the client which, from a technical point of view, consisted in the following:
A chassis was designed to support the engine-alternator assembly, comprised of a Perkins 4008-30 TAG3 engine and Mecc Alte ECO43 2L4A alternator, capable of producing 1,250 kVA. Soundproofed in a HC 20 foot container with an air inlet silencer integrated in the container and air outlet silencer attached externally to the container.

In parallel

The generator sets were built to be placed in parallel, with an external 5,000 L fuel tank located between both gensets from which they receive their fuel, respecting security measures. In addition, the access to the control panels can be done from the outside, as they face eachother (the gensets are symmetrical), simplifying the access to the data provided by the control panels of both generator sets.

The operation of these units is prepared so that both can synchronize and supply the sum of the power of both gensets to the loads. They’ve been designed to be flexible when supplying power to the loads, so that the client can start up both generator sets simultaneously from the plant’s control system for the startup of big engines and, afterwards, disable this function so that only one genset remains operative.

This way, the client can arrange for just one genset to operate, for both to operate in parallel, or for both gensets to decide according to the load they’re supporting if one of them can shut down, saving fuel.

Features

  • 5,000 L external fuel tank
  • Air inlet and outlet silencers

Delivering emergency power to the Poland-Lithuanian connection, one of the biggest electrical challenges in the Baltic countries

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The construction of the electrical interconnection lines between Poland and Lithuania is key in the creation of a common European energy market.

In this great project, the LitPol Link substation is an important part of the chain for which Genesal Energy has supplied bespoke emergency power for the essential services of the installation facing any possible failure.

The weather conditions that the Lithuanian substation -which represents the electrical link between the Baltic electricity transmission system and the European synchronous network, with a total distance of 341 kilometres- must face, were crucial in the production of the generator set for LitPol Link. Our engineers designed a generator set capable of operating at peak performance at the lowest of temperatures and through extremely adverse situations such as great storms and strong snowfall.

Adapted to the extreme cold

Our vast experience in the design of systems to combat the extreme cold was of huge backing to us when it came to facing this project. With good reason, Genesal Energy is a reference brand in Scandinavian countries and in the North of Europe with our low temperature range.

In the case of the LitPol Link substation, the result was a special generator set which was completely adapted to the harsh environment. Upon analyzing the client’s needs, the R&D department opted for a made-to-measure solution: a 200/220 kVA generator set with heaters installed inside the canopy, an anticondensation heater in the power cabinet and heater in the fuel tank. Likewise, all necessary measures were taken to avoid setbacks in vital processes such as the startup of the generator set in an emergency situation. Finally, at the client’s request, a fire (heat and smoke) detection system was installed. The generator set includes a control panel prepared for parallel operation.

Features

  • Genset designed to operate in the extreme cold, including engine air intake heating, oversized batteries, motorized louvers, heaters inside the canopy, anticondensation heaters in the power cabinet and heater in the fuel tank. These elements guarantee perfect startup and operation at low temperatures.
  • Soundproof canopy with IP44 protection, preventing the entrance of dust and water, Furthermore, it’s been given anti-corrosion C4 treatment.
  • At the client’s request, a fire (smoke and heat) detection system was installed.
  • The genset features a control panel prepared for parallel operation, as well as a signal expansion module for the specific alarms requested by the client.
  • Charger failure alarm.
  • External fuel filling points, including fuel transfer supply through a gauge and maximum level safety sensor.
  • Digital low oil level sensor.
  • The genset component nameplates were designed in Lithuanian language at the client’s request, according to the project’s specific requirements.