Xinhua Ushi 500MW/2,000MWh Grid-Forming Hybrid Energy Storage Project Successfully Completes Primary Frequency Regulation Test
Date: 13 Jan 2026 |
Source: Source: ASIACHEM WeChat, 13 January 2026
Milestone validates grid-forming control and plant-level coordination, combining fast response with long-duration support via LFP + VRFB hybrid architecture
The Xinhua Ushi 500MW/2,000MWh grid-forming hybrid energy storage project has successfully completed its primary frequency regulation (PFR) test, marking a key technical milestone to support the safe and stable operation of power systems with high renewable penetration, according to a project update released on 12 January.
Located in the Aheya Photovoltaic Industrial Park in Ushi County, Xinjiang, the project is configured as a grid-forming hybrid storage plant comprising 250MW/1,000MWh of vanadium flow batteries (VFB) and 250MW/1,000MWh of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The full station can store 2,000MWh per charge, an amount cited as sufficient to meet approximately one day of electricity demand for about 300,000 households.
Test data show that during frequency disturbances, the project achieved:
- Primary frequency response delay ≤ 1 second
- Rise time ≤ 3 seconds
- Regulation time ≤ 4 seconds
- Active power control deviation within 1% of rated power
All indicators met the stated technical requirements, effectively validating grid-forming control and whole-station coordinated operation.
By adopting a “LFP + VFB” hybrid architecture, the project is positioned to deliver an integrated capability that pairs high-frequency, rapid response with long-duration energy support, offering a practical pathway for enhancing frequency stability in renewable-heavy grids.
The update notes that Xinjiang’s renewable installed capacity has exceeded 161GW, accounting for more than 60%of total installed capacity, increasing the importance of solutions that can address frequency volatility under high renewable penetration. The project’s measured PFR indicators were described as leading nationally and compliant with relevant technical requirements and grid-connection standards.
As a grid-side independent energy storage project, the successful test is expected to strengthen readiness for ancillary service market participation, where stringent PFR performance is required. The commissioning and coordination experience accumulated during testing is also highlighted as a useful practical reference for the development of grid-forming energy storage testing, dispatching, and interconnection rules.