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Ararat Synchronous Condenser starts operating, set to unlock 600 MW of clean energy

The Southern Hermisphere’s largest 250 MVA synchronous condenser has begun operating in Victoria and will allow an additional 600 MW of renewable energy generation to connect to the grid.
Ev Foley
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Ev Foley
Image: Andritz

The 250 MVA Ararat Sychronous Condenser (SynCon) has begun operating in Victoria and will allow an additional 600 MW of renewable energy generation to connect to the grid supporting system stability.

Weighing approximately 300 tonnes, the Ararat SynCon has been delivered by Melbourne-headquartered Australian Energy Operations that will operate the project, construction of thesite has been completed Victorian renewable company Beon Energy Solutions, and the SynCon built by Austrian manufacturer Andritz Hydro.

Technicians during the stator stacking of the Ararat synchronous condenser construction. | Image: Andritz

Located 190 kilometres northwest of Melbourne at Elmhurst the project is one of 12 being delivered under the state government’s $480 million (USD 332 million) investment in strengthening the state’s grid so more renewable energy can flow to Victorian homes and businesses.

The 12 projects will unlock 2.3 GW of clean energy, or enough to power 16% of Victoria’s annual electricity needs.

Technicians performing stator winding during the Ararat synchronous condenser construction | Image: Andritz

VicGrid Chief Executive Alistair Parker said the project is an example of how governments can work with industry partners to deliver the energy infrastructure Victoria needs.

“[All] while ensuring local communities share in the long-term social and economic benefits,” Parker said.

The Ararat synchronous condenser rotor body | Image: Andritz

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