Siemens to deliver solar farm synchronous condenser in Vic

Siemens, in partnership with VINCI-Energies/Electrix (main EPC contractor), will design, develop and deliver Australia’s first large synchronous condenser to be installed at a solar farm. When operational, this unit will play a crucial role in strengthening and stabilising the electricity grid that will connect to TOTAL-Eren’s Kiamal solar farm in Victoria.

The 265 MW (DC) solar farm located near Ouyen, in North West Victoria, is expected to be the largest in the state when it starts commercial operations late 2019.

Siemens will carry out the complete commissioning of the synchronous condenser and maintain it as a part of the long-term package solution. In addition to helping strengthen the electricity grid connected to the Kiamal solar farm, it will also be beneficial to other large-scale renewable projects in the area looking for grid security and strength in a region that has recently witnessed an influx of new wind and solar farms.

“As Australia’s energy mix diversifies, so does the importance of technologies that help stabilise the electricity grid. Synchronous condensers are a proven technology and part of a cost-effective solution,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO and Chairman of Siemens Australia and New Zealand. “While they are a conventional technology, our synchronous condensers include the latest and most advanced generator circuit breakers, excitation, starting, control and protection systems and other auxiliaries that tackle the challenges facing our changing networks.”

“About 30% of the country’s energy generation capacity comes through Siemens technology and we’re proud to secure the contract to design and develop Australia’s first synchronous condenser being installed at a solar farm to support the growing renewables energy sector,” said Andrew Theodore, the head of Siemens’ Energy Management division in the region.

“This project is of great significance to VINCI-Energies in the region as it solidifies its strategic vision of growth for its renewable energy contracting services,” said Tony Croagh, Executive GM VINCI-Energies/Electrix Australia. “This project highlights the strength of bringing VINCI Energies’ and Siemens’ international expertise as well as local knowledge together — to offer world-class solutions to an increasingly international client base in the energy sector in Australia.”

Synchronous condensers support and improve power transmission quality in a wide range of applications:

• Grid stabilisation
• High-voltage DC transmission links based on line-commutated converter technology
• Transmission grids with a high amount of power in-feed from renewable sources
• Retirement/shutdown of conventional power plants.