Integrated controls for hybrid power plants

Hybrid power plants are key to balancing renewable and conventional energy within a future-proof, integrated system. As the share of renewable energy grows, intelligent control becomes essential for efficient, reliable, and flexible operation. Siemens Energy provides intelligent hybrid power solutions that integrate renewable and conventional generation. Omnivise Hybrid Control (OHC) is the core of these solutions. It integrates the different generation sources within hybrid systems and makes them manageable like one single plant.

Combined with advanced technologies such as EMS (Energy Management System) with dispatch optimization and SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) it supports real-time optimization and sophisticated hybrid plant management.

Hybrid plants combine renewable energy sources like solar and wind with conventional generation such as diesel or gas, often integrated with energy storage systems. They provide reliable power in both grid-connected and island operation, helping to stabilize frequency fluctuations and support grid reliability.

Key benefits of hybrid plants include:

• Reliability and grid stability, ensuring continuous power supply even under fluctuating conditions
• Cost reduction through optimized use of multiple energy sources and storage
• Provision of grid services such as frequency support, peak shaving, and load management
• CO₂ reduction by maximizing renewable integration and minimizing reliance on conventional generation

Hybrid plants enable the acceleration of electrification, increase operational flexibility, and open opportunities for new revenue streams, making them an essential solution for modern energy landscapes.

Controlling a hybrid power plant is challenging due to the diversity of energy sources, storage systems, and load demands. Integrated controls and digital solutions like the ones from Siemens Energy enable efficient operation by coordinating all components in real-time.

Digital technologies allow hybrid plants and microgrids to:

• Optimize energy dispatch and predict demand
• Integrate renewables, conventional generation, and storage seamlessly
• Improve operational efficiency and system reliability

Omnivise Hybrid Control (OHC) is used in a wide range of applications, from remote and islanded grids to industrial sites, mining operations, and data centers. Typical configurations include:

• Wind farms combined with substations and energy storage systems
• Island operation (e.g. mining and oil) for less emissions and stable power generation
• New built projects in various constellations, technology agnostic approach
• Existing power generation can also be hybridized, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling flexible energy management in diverse settings.

Omnivise Hybrid Control (OHC) serves as the backbone for hybrid plant operations. Especially in combination with SCADA, dispatch optimization through EMS (Energy Management System), and advanced monitoring it ensures reliable, efficient, and optimized energy delivery. OHC fits within Siemens Energy’s hybrid solution framework, supporting modular deployment and scalable operation for projects of any size.

Video: Omnivise Hybrid Control integrates the different technologies to make sure, that all components interact perfectly.

Omnivise Hybrid Control enhances hybrid plant operations with features that increase reliability, flexibility, and efficiency: 

• Power exchange and load sharing functions
• Control of conventional generation, including diesel and gas
• Integration of renewable energy sources and battery storage
• Islanding, black start, and resynchronization capabilities
• Frequency and voltage regulation
• Reserve management and load shedding
• Peak shaving for demand management
• Measurement acquisition and archiving
• Event management, monitoring, data archiving, and reporting

These features support seamless hybrid plant operation, enabling operators to meet energy demands while optimizing performance.