{"id":87602,"date":"2026-08-03T10:44:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:44:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/energyear.com\/?p=87602"},"modified":"2026-08-03T10:45:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T08:45:42","slug":"grid-forming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/energyear.com\/en\/diccionario-energetico\/grid-forming\/","title":{"rendered":"Grid formation: what it is and why it is transforming modern electricity systems"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Grid formation: what it is and why it is transforming modern electricity systems<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Grid forming is a control technology applied to power inverters that enables a generation source or storage system to autonomously establish and maintain the voltage and frequency of an electricity grid. Unlike conventional inverters, which need to synchronise with an existing grid in order to operate, a grid-forming system is capable of creating its own electrical reference, acting as if it were a traditional synchronous generator.<\/p>

The development of grid-forming technology addresses one of the greatest challenges of the energy transition: the gradual replacement of thermal power stations and large synchronous generators with power electronics-based installations, such as photovoltaic plants, wind farms and BESS systems. As the penetration of these technologies increases, the natural inertia of the electricity system decreases, making it necessary to incorporate new mechanisms capable of ensuring grid stability.<\/p>

In this context, grid-forming represents a fundamental development in the design of modern electricity systems. Inverters with this capability not only convert energy into alternating current, but can also regulate voltage, stabilise frequency, share power with other equipment and maintain the operation of a grid even when the external power reference is lost.<\/p>

The importance of grid forming has grown significantly in recent years due to the rise in energy storage projects, microgrids, off-grid systems and large-scale renewable energy plants. International organisations, electricity system operators and equipment manufacturers regard this technology as one of the cornerstones that will enable grids to operate with a high level of renewable energy penetration without compromising security of supply.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What does \u2018Grid Forming\u2019 mean?<\/h2>\n

The term \u2018Grid Forming\u2019 can be translated as \u2018grid formation\u2019 or \u2018grid creation\u2019, although in the energy sector it is common to use the English expression due to its widespread international acceptance. It refers to the ability of certain inverters to generate a stable voltage and frequency reference to which other equipment connected to the same grid can synchronise. In other words, a grid-forming inverter does not require a stable electricity grid to be in place before it can start operating; rather, it can create one itself.<\/p>\n

This difference is particularly significant in electricity systems where renewable sources based on power electronics predominate. Whilst conventional power stations naturally generate a frequency reference thanks to the rotating mass of their alternators, a grid-forming system replicates this behaviour using advanced control algorithms implemented in the inverter. As a result, grid-forming technology enables renewable energy installations and storage systems to perform functions that, until a few years ago, could only be carried out by conventional synchronous generators.<\/p>\n

How does a grid-forming system work?<\/h2>\n

The operation of a grid-forming system is based on control algorithms that enable the inverter to directly regulate the output voltage and frequency. Rather than waiting for a reference from the electricity grid, the equipment sets its own operating parameters and continuously adapts its response according to system conditions.<\/p>\n

To achieve this, the inverter continuously measures variables such as active power, reactive power, voltage, frequency and the state of the electricity system. Based on this information, it automatically adjusts its behaviour to maintain the balance between generation and demand, providing stability even during major disturbances. One of the most significant aspects of Grid Forming is its ability to respond almost instantly to sudden changes in load or renewable generation. This speed of response helps to reduce frequency deviations and considerably improve the dynamic stability of the grid.<\/p>\n

In applications using BESS, the storage system supplies or absorbs energy in accordance with commands from the grid-forming controller, offsetting any power fluctuations that may occur in the grid. This combination makes storage systems one of the main drivers behind the development of this technology.<\/p>\n

The algorithms used by grid-forming investors are constantly evolving. Many manufacturers incorporate models inspired by the behaviour of synchronous generators, known as Virtual Synchronous Machine<\/em> (VSM), Virtual Synchronous Generator<\/em> (VSG) or controls based on the oscillation equation (Swing Equation<\/em>), the aim of which is to virtually replicate the electromechanical inertia traditionally provided by large power stations.<\/p>\n

Why is grid forming important for the energy transition?<\/h2>\n

The transition to an electricity system based primarily on renewable energy is profoundly changing the way electricity grids operate.<\/p>\n

For decades, the stability of the system depended on large thermal, hydroelectric and nuclear power stations equipped with synchronous generators. These machines naturally provided inertia, frequency regulation, short-circuit power and voltage stability thanks to their high rotating mass. However, solar photovoltaic plants, modern wind farms and BESS systems use electronic inverters to connect to the grid. This equipment, traditionally known as \u2018grid-following\u2019, requires an external reference to synchronise and, on its own, does not provide the same dynamic characteristics as a conventional generator. Grid-forming technology has emerged precisely to meet this need. Thanks to this technology, renewable energy installations can take on functions that are essential to the operation of the electricity system, reducing dependence on conventional power stations and facilitating a much greater penetration of zero-emission generation.<\/p>\n

This change is particularly significant in countries where the share of solar and wind power continues to grow rapidly. In these systems, grid forming will enable grid stability to be maintained even when a very significant proportion of generation comes from renewable sources connected via power electronics.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Main applications of grid forming<\/h2>

Grid-forming technology is playing an increasingly prominent role in the modernisation of electricity systems. Its ability to create a stable electricity grid and provide services traditionally associated with synchronous generators means that its application is expanding into numerous areas of the energy sector.<\/p>

The main applications of grid forming are as follows:<\/p>