synchronous condensers

The Australian Energy Market Operator says “timely investments” are essential to unlock the full value of renewables and reduce reliance on coal generators for system security as the nation’s clean energy transition continues.

The high-voltage grid transmission operator said the condensers will be deployed at five strategic sites across New South Wales.

Siemens Energy Australia Managing Director Sam Morillon likens the energy transition of Australia to having the spirit of Suez, an ambitious, globally significant 19th century canal building project, and sees potential for a nationwide master grid at scale here, that includes Western Australia.

New South Wales power grid owner Transgrid is looking at rolling out up to 14 synchronous condensers and 4.8 GW of batteries with ‘grid forming’ capability to protect and strengthen the security and stability of the electricity grid as coal-fired power plants retire and more renewables come online.

Australia’s largest electricity transmission project EnergyConnect has taken another step towards completion with the arrival of two 120 MVA capacity synchronous condensers that will sit at the heart of the Buronga substation in western New South Wales.

Construction of Australia’s largest energy transmission project is powering ahead with the foundations for one of the biggest substations in the Southern Hemisphere being poured in New South Wales while in South Australia the largest transformers in the state’s high voltage network are now being installed.

The latest news in the NEM is AEMO’s goal to be capable of handling periods of 100% instantaneous renewables penetration by 2025. This is a significant challenge and fitting given the pace the NEM is moving to
supporting increasingly higher levels of instantaneous (and increasingly asynchronous) renewables on a regular basis.

South Australia is a global hero for its demonstration of a rapid transition to renewable generation. But as renewables supplied more than 60% of the state’s electricity, and pushed out coal and even gas-fired generation, cracks appeared in the system strength and inertia required to keep the grid reliably running. ElectraNet has deployed old, clean-running technology — synchronous condensers — to smooth the gaps.

Transmission is not the only way, proves network service provider Powercor with its new plan to help Victoria hit its ambitious emissions reduction targets, while considering the needs and sensitivities of regions set to host the state’s Renewable Energy Zones.

Three renewable energy generators in northern Queensland are facing major constraints due to system strength issues.