A synchronous condenser capable of unlocking an extra 600 megawatts of renewable energy generation has just come online in Victoria.
The plant, located in Elmhurst in western Victoria, will maintain a balance between power generation and consumption, quickly responding to sudden changes in power demand to stabilise the grid.
It represents one of 12 projects the Victorian Government is supporting to strengthen the state’s grid.
Another project supported as part of this $480 million investment is the Mortlake Turn-In project, a critical transmission upgrade connecting a second 500-kilovolt transmission line to the Mortlake terminal station. This will help improve network stability and boost generation capacity by up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW).
The 12 projects combined will unlock 2.3GW of clean energy, enough to power 16 per cent of Victoria’s annual electricity needs, while underpinning economic benefits and new opportunities for regional communities.
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Australian Energy Operations is operating the Ararat synchronous condenser, after Victorian renewable company Beon Energy Solutions carried out the construction work.
“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,” VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said.
VicGrid has been tasked with the planning and development of Victoria’s transmission projects and renewable energy zones (REZs). This includes transmission supporting the Gippsland offshore wind precinct, as well as the Western Renewables Link, Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) and Marinus Link.
The TNSP formalised Victoria’s six REZs in early June, with the South West, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Western and North West zones joining Gippsland Shoreline as formally declared REZs.
The REZs are aimed at improving coordination of solar, wind and battery projects and reduce the need for unnecessary transmission infrastructure.
