THESIS - 15-minute Imbalance Settlement Period (ISP) impact on hydro power

Background 

The rapidly developing electrical power system with increased dynamics from more renewable energy has led to a need for increased flexible hydro production. With the increasing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, hydro power plants are often utilized to balance grid frequency and provide ancillary services. The reduction of the settlement period increases the number of ramping events (start-stop cycles) for hydropower plants, potentially accelerating mechanical and structural degradation. 

Objective 

The Master Thesis Project includes conducting a literature study and investigation of the effects of transitioning from a 30-minute to a 15-minute imbalance settlement period (ISP) on the wear and tear of hydropower plants. This research aims to analyse both the technical impacts on plant components and the economic implications of increased maintenance costs and downtime, offering insights into the long-term sustainability of hydropower operations under more dynamic market conditions.  

Our offer 

At Fortum we see a Thesis Project as a good way to get to know you during your study time and for you to learn more about Fortum and how our business is working. A Supervisor will be appointed to support and guide you through the Thesis Project and you will also create a network of people within the Company as well as with other Students doing their Thesis with us.  

For a well performed and approved work, we will provide a taxable lumpsum award. 

This Thesis Project is preferably executed at either of our offices in Stockholm/Solna or Borlänge. 

Your Qualifications 

We believe that you are studying Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics or similar, at a Master Programme level. Courses or experience in hydropower are meriting. The Project can be performed in either Swedish or English. 

We expect you to be analytical, energetic and able to work independently. You like challenges and are interested in solving complicated technical problems. 

Interested? 

To apply, register your CV and a personal letter of maximum one page or a Power Point presentation of maximum two slides, in our Recruitment Tool, latest by 24th November 2024. Applications will be evaluated continuously and an applicant on-boarded before this date. 

The personal letter shall include an approach on how you would like to investigate the idea. Mark your application with the reference number HYG-175. 

If you have General questions about Theses or Internship at Fortum, please address those to fortumcareers@fortum.com. 

Please note that we have more Master Thesis Projects open for application at our recruitment site.