Red Eléctrica, a Redeia company responsible for the transport and operation of the electrical system in the south of Gran Canaria, has awarded ABB orders for synchronous capacitors (also known as synchronous compensators or SC) to reinforce the electrical network, increase the quality of supply and boost the energy transition of the south of Gran Canaria, where REE is executing the Chira Soria project.
"We are working to ensure a more secure, robust, intelligent and interconnected electrical grid, ready for the challenge of the energy transition, especially in our island networks. Synchronous compensators are an ideal solution in island systems, as they provide technical capabilities that They are essential to maintain security of supply on the islands, allowing us to continue advancing in the integration of renewable energies to achieve the set objectives," Juan Bola, director of Systems Operation for Non-Peninsular Territories of Red Eléctrica, told Maspalomas24H this Monday. "The synchronous compensator proposal made by ABB provides great added value with a fully integrated approach, based on an excellent technical solution and competencies."
The integrated solution, which also includes electrical and automation equipment, will play a vital role in maintaining the stability, reliability and continuity of the island networks as they integrate increasing levels of renewable energy to meet Spain's energy transition goals. The order was recorded in the first quarter of 2024. No financial details were disclosed.
The project is part of the 2021-2026 Network Development Plan, the execution of which will allow 67 percent of renewable energy to be integrated into the generation mix, advancing the objectives of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030 ( PNIEC) of Spain. The PNIEC 1 aims for a 32 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 and an 81 percent penetration of renewable energy resources in the electrical system. According to data from Red Eléctrica, renewable energies exceeded 50 percent of the Spanish generation mix in 2023.
The advance of the energy transition in both archipelagos represents a challenge for the system operator that makes it necessary to reinforce the network to maintain its balance and ensure reliable and resilient operations. ABB collaborates with Red Eléctrica to deploy a flexible, reliable and integrated solution through synchronous capacitors.
These are rotating electrical machines that mimic the operation of large generators to help stabilize the grid when loads fluctuate and produce renewable energy. The services provided by SCs include inertia, short-circuit current, and reactive power for voltage regulation.
Three of the orders for synchronous capacitors 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.
“The decarbonization of energy generation is a vital element on the path of the energy transition.
“Through our integrated automation and electrification solutions, we deliver productivity, reliability and energy efficiency for a low-carbon world,” said Brandon Spencer, president of ABB Energy Industries. "This is especially important to create decarbonized power grids with the stability and reliability to absorb and transmit large amounts of renewable energy."
ABB will provide a complete and integrated solution, ranging from initial system studies to detailed engineering of electrical and automation equipment, installation of the flywheel-integrated synchronous capacitor solution, 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 will help ensure the availability and stability of energy supplied from renewable sources.
The challenge is to achieve this ambition while maintaining stable and reliable power grids,” said Heikki Vepsäläinen, president of ABB's large motors and generators division. “This is where synchronous condensers will 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 challenge of inertia, as it has done in other island environments.”
