Australia’s largest synchronous condenser has begun operating at Elmhurst in western Victoria, supporting greater renewable energy generation and improving grid reliability.
The Ararat Synchronous Condenser will enable an additional 600MW of renewable energy capacity to connect to the electricity grid by providing system strength and helping maintain network stability.
The technology supports the balance between electricity generation and demand, responding rapidly to fluctuations in the network to improve grid performance.
The project was delivered by Australian Energy Operations, with construction undertaken by Victorian renewable energy company Beon Energy Solutions.
It is one of 12 projects being delivered through the Victorian Government’s $480 million grid strengthening program, which is expected to unlock 2.3GW of renewable energy generation – enough to meet around 16 per cent of Victoria’s annual electricity demand.
VicGrid Chief Executive, Alistair Parker, said the project demonstrated how collaboration between government and industry could deliver critical energy infrastructure.
“This project is another example of how we can work with industry partners to deliver the energy infrastructure Victoria needs while ensuring local communities share in the long-term social and economic benefits,” Parker said.
Australian Energy Operations Chief Executive, Glen Thomson, said the synchronous condenser would strengthen the electricity network while supporting future renewable energy projects.
“The Victorian Government should be congratulated for their vision and foresight to invest in this type of technology to support system strength in the grid and underpin further renewable generation investment in this part of western Victoria,” Thomson said.
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