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Red Electrica orders synchronous condensers to support the energy transition of the Canaries and Balearics
ABB has secured a contract for technology that will support increased supplies of renewable energy on Spain’s Canary and Balearic islands.
Red Electrica, Spain’s grid operator, 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 islands.
The integrated solution, which also 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 Spains energy transition goals.
The project is part of the 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 Spains 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 Electrica, renewable energy exceeded 50% of the Spanish generation mix in 2023.
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 Electrica to deploy a flexible, reliable, and integrated solution through synchronous condensers (SC).
These 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.
"We are working to ensure a safer, more secure, robust, smarter and interconnected power grid, ready for the challenge of the energy transition, especially in our island grids.
“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," said Juan Bola, Director of Systems Operation for Non-Peninsular Territories at Red Electrica.
Three of the synchronous condenser’s orders will be deployed in the Canaries, where Red Electrica is also executing projects to continue advancing in the energy transition.
On the Balearics, where all the islands are connected to each other and to the mainland grid from Mallorca, another SC will be installed.
ABB will provide a complete and integrated solution, ranging 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. |
