The Southern Hermisphere’s largest 250 MVA synchronous condenser has begun operating in Victoria and will allow an additional 600 MW of renewable energy generation to connect to the grid.
The 250 MVA Ararat Sychronous Condenser (SynCon) has begun operating in Australian state of Victoria and will allow an additional 600 MW of renewable energy generation to connect to the grid supporting system stability.
Weighing approximately 300 tonnes, the Ararat SynCon has been delivered by Melbourne-headquartered Australian Energy Operations. Construction of the system, which was supplied by by Austrian manufacturer Andritz Hydro, was completed by Victorian renewable company Beon Energy Solutions.
Technicians during the stator stacking of the Ararat synchronous condenser construction. | Image: Andritz
Located 190 kilometres northwest of Melbourne at Elmhurst the project is one of 12 being delivered under the state government’s AUD 480 million ($332 million) investment in strengthening the state’s grid so more renewable energy can flow to Victorian homes and businesses.
