Construction of the Synchronous Condenser (SynCon) in Ararat has commenced, a project that the Victorian Government said is critical to stabilising and balancing the energy grid as more wind and solar energy is connected.
The SynCon is one of 12 projects being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $480 million Renewable Energy Zone Fund, and could help supercharge renewable energy development in Victoria’s western region.
The SynCon, located next to the Ararat Terminal Station, is a rotating machine that helps maintain a balance between power generation and consumption, quickly responding to sudden changes in power demand to stabilise the grid.
System stability has traditionally been provided through the inertia that spinning coal and gas turbines deliver. A SynCon provides a zero-emissions alternative and allows more affordable wind and solar to be connected to the grid.
On completion in 2025, the SynCon will unlock up to 600MW of renewable energy generation, providing system strength and maintaining a reliable power grid for the region, as Victoria transitions to 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035.
Australian Energy Operations, through its subsidiary Transmission Operations Australia 3, is delivering the SynConfor the Victorian Government and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) with Beon Energy Solutions building the project.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “The Ararat SynCon is critical infrastructure that will deliver energy security to homes and businesses in the western region where there is an abundance of wind and solar power.”
“We’ve invested $480 million to deliver innovative projects that support our transition to renewable energy by upgrading and modernising our electricity grid which will support Victorians with affordable and reliable energy.”
“Projects like the Ararat synchronous condenser are crucial to provide stability to Victoria’s energy grid as we connect the new solar, wind and battery storage that will secure our state’s energy future.”
Australian Energy Operations chief executive officer Glen Thomson said the syncon will help unlock large amounts of wind and solar generation for all Victorians.
“This facility will allow more clean electricity to connect to the network, while ensuring key system security needs are met,” Mr Thomson said.
“Syncons could be described as the unsung hero of the energy transition – they don’t get the same headlines as batteries, wind or solar, but they will play an equally crucial role in keeping the lights on for Victorian homes and businesses.”
For more information visit energy.vic.gov.au/renewable-energy.
Featured image: Australian Energy Operations, courtesy of Powercor
