Progress in plans for synchronous condensers to strengthen renewable-rich grid

Plans to install four “synchronous condensers” that aim to stop power bill blowouts and strengthen South Australia’s renewable-rich grid have moved forward, as regulators endorse an economic analysis of the project, which is worth up to $180 million.

Plans to install four “synchronous condensers” that aim to stop power bill blowouts and strengthen South Australia’s renewable-rich grid have moved forward, as regulators endorse an economic analysis of the project, which is worth up to $180 million.

Poles and wires company ElectraNet last year announced plans for the technology, which operates in a similar way to large electric motors and generators to help the system survive shocks.

The condensers contain a motor with a shaft not directly connected to anything, but which spins freely and is able to adjust technical conditions in the power system.

It follows warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator that SA’s world-leading level of wind power creates “challenges for managing power system security”.

In recent years, AEMO has begun ordering gas-fired power stations to come on at times of high wind to help maintain stable supply. The Australian Energy Regulator has now said it is satisfied with economic modelling by ElectraNet into its alternative plan for synchronous condensers, which still require further approvals before construction of the units could begin in 2020.

The synchronous condenesers are intended to strengthen a renewable energy-rich grid. Picture: iStock

The first two condensers would be installed at Davenport and the next pair at Robertstown. ElectraNet expects the plan to deliver modest bill savings of up to $5 per year for the typical SA household, because gas-fired power stations will not need to be ordered to turn on or paid premiums for doing so. It is estimated such emergency orders added $20 million to power bills last year.

The proposal also has the backing of SA Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan, who told The Advertiser the change “will allow SA to use more clean power in a secure way whilst easing the price of electricity”.

“On windy days, the market operator often has to restrict wind power and direct on expensive gas generators to protect the system,” he said.

“Synchronous condensers will help address the loss of system strength that occurred under the previous Labor Government.”

ElectraNet chief executive Steve Masters said there were “no downsides” to the synchronous condenser plan.

In the 2016 statewide blackout, there was a dramatic voltage collapse in the SA network after software on wind farms failed and the interconnector to Victoria suddenly turned off.

In a December report, AEMO said it was working to “fast track” the condenser plan because “the current fault level shortfall in SA will continue” until they are built.