Deployment of synchronous condensers to enhance stability and safe operation of the Italian power grid

With the growing integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines, maintaining grid stability has become increasingly complex. RES, being non-programmable, introduces fluctuations in voltage and frequency, while HVDC lines affect grid dynamics. Synchronous Condensers (SynConds) offer a robust, reliable and cost-effective solution by providing reactive power, voltage regulation, short-circuit power, and inertia. Built from standard turbogenerators and remotely controlled, SynConds deliver rapid dynamic response and can include flywheels to boost inertia with minimal energy and noise impact. Ansaldo Energia has been a pioneer in this field, starting with its first SynCond plant at Terna’s Codrongianos substation in Sardinia in 2014. Since then, it has developed multiple plants across Italy, particularly in Central and Southern regions where RES penetration is highest. The company also repurposes components from decommissioned coal and gas plants to create new SynConds, exemplified by a recent project in Southern Italy. As grid codes and market structures evolve, hybrid systems combining RES and thermal generation with SynCond capabilities offer new opportunities for grid balancing services. With global energy systems shifting toward renewables, the demand for SynConds is set to rise, ensuring reliable and stable power networks for the future.