Red Eléctrica orders synchronous condensers for Canary and Balearic Islands
Aerial view of Punta Brava near Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary islands. Image courtesy 123rf.
Red Eléctrica, the TSO responsible for the transmission and operation of the Spanish electricity system, has awarded ABB four orders for synchronous condensers to strengthen the electricity grid, increase the quality of supply and boost the energy transition of the Canary and Balearic Islands.
The integrated solution, which includes electrical and automation equipment, will play a vital role in maintaining the stability, reliability and continuity of island grids as they integrate increasing levels of renewable energy to meet Spain’s energy transition goals.
The order was booked in the first quarter of 2024. Financial details have not been disclosed.
The advance of the energy transition in both archipelagos poses a challenge for the system operator, which makes it necessary to reinforce the grid to maintain its balance and ensure reliable and resilient operations. ABB is collaborating with Red Eléctrica to deploy the synchronous condensers, which they describe as a flexible, reliable and integrated solution.
Synchronous condensers, otherwise known as synchronous compensators (SC), are rotating electrical machines that mimic the operation of large generators to help stabilise the grid when loads and renewable energy production fluctuate.
Services provided by SCs include inertia, short-circuit current and reactive power for voltage regulation.
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Commenting in a release was Juan Bola, director of systems operation for Non-Peninsular Territories at Red Eléctrica, who said the collaboration with ABB will ensure a more interconnected power grid in the energy islands. “Synchronous compensators are an ideal solution in island systems, providing technical capabilities that are essential to maintain security of supply in the islands, allowing further progress in the integration of renewable energies to achieve the established objectives.
“The proposal for synchronous compensators made by ABB brings great added value with a fully integrated approach, based on an excellent technical solution and competencies.”
Three of the synchronous condenser’s orders will be deployed in the Canary Islands, where Red Eléctrica is also executing important projects to continue advancing in the energy transition, such as the Salto de Chira, or the Tenerife-La Gomera interconnection.
Another SC will be installed on the Balearic Islands where all the islands are connected to each other and to the mainland grid from Mallorca.
Said Heikki Vepsäläinen, division president of ABB Large Motors and Generators: “Decarbonisation of power generation is a vital element in the energy transition journey. The challenge is to achieve this ambition while maintaining stable and reliable power networks.
“This is where synchronous condensers are set to play a key role. We are delighted to start working with Red Eléctrica on this project that will demonstrate how our technology can address the inertia challenge, as it has in other island settings.”
ABB provided solution ranges from initial system studies to detailed engineering of the electrical and automation equipment, installation of the synchronous condensers solution integrated with flywheel, project management and training.
The ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system will also be part of the scope, as well as long-term service support. The solutions are hoped to help ensure the availability and stability of energy supplied from renewable sources.
The islands project is part of Red Eléctrica’s Network Development Plan 2021–2026, the execution of which will allow the integration of 67% of renewable energy into the generation mix, advancing the objectives of Spain‘s 2021–2030 Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (Spanish PNIEC).
The PNIEC1 aims for a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 and an 81% penetration of renewable energy resources in the electricity system. According to data from Red Eléctrica, renewable energies exceeded 50% of the Spanish generation mix in 2023.
