Transmission company announces early delivery of 10 big spinning machines to stabilise grid

Transmission company Transgrid says it has signed a contract with US energy giant GE Vernova for the early delivery of 10 synchronous condensers to be used to help stabilise the New South Wales grid as it transitions from coal to renewables.

Synchronous condensers, basically giant spinning machines that mimic the grid-stabilising role of a coal-fired power station without burning fuel, are used to accelerate the addition of renewable energy generation onto the grid, ensuring cleaner and cheaper electricity for consumers.

The order with GE Vernova will see the supply and installation of two smaller synchronous condensers at five sites across the NSW transmission network, rather than one larger synchronous condenser at each site.

Transgrid described this decision as an effort to “fast-track delivery” and comes after the NSW government used new laws to allow it to fast-track the purchase, particularly given a reported supply crunch around the world.

Syncons are considered essential for the supply of system strength, although battery suppliers argue that their grid-forming inverters can supply much the same services at much lower cost. Transmission companies are taking a cautious approach and seeking a balance of the two technologies.

“We are delighted to have secured these machines in a global environment where demand for synchronous condensers continues to outpace manufacturing capacity, and we are competing with countries with much larger order books,” said Jason Krstanoski, Transgrid executive general manager for network.

He said that the accelerated process shaved two years off an original delivery schedule.

“The accelerated procurement of these units for the first five sites is expected to deliver more than $1 billion in market benefits, meaning they will effectively pay for themselves in one year.”

Krstanoski also confirmed that Transgrid is preparing to launch a tender for stabilising services from grid-forming batteries, which he said will comprise another important component of Transgrid’s system strength solution.

GE Vernova power conversion & storage business leader, Ed Torres, says GE has supplied synchronous condensers for customers in the UK, Europe, and North America, as well as installations for South Australian transmission company ElectraNet in Port Augusta, and the Murra Warra II Wind Farm in Horsham, Victoria.

“The implementation of GE Vernova’s proven technology will enhance grid stability and reliability, thereby strengthening New South Wales’ transmission network and ultimately supporting Australia’s goal of achieving a more secure and decarbonised power system,” said Torres.

Transgrid said that it was also currently in the process of exploring options to secure a future order of synchronous condensers to help facilitate the planned retirement of NSW coal generators over the coming decade.

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