ABB_SC_Hero_Banner_NoText_190925-compressed

ABB SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSERS

Download white paper

As the world accelerates toward net-zero goals, renewable energy is taking center stage. But with rapid decommissioning of fossil fuel plants, maintaining grid stability has become increasingly complex.

The grid stability challenges

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X2_400x224px_170925_Renewable Energy

Renewable energy growth

Wind and solar power are expanding rapidly, but their variable nature creates new challenges for grid operators who must maintain constant frequency and voltage.

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X2_400x224px_170925_Mechanical Inertia

Loss of mechanical inertia

Traditional fossil fuel plants provided essential rotating inertia that stabilized grids. As these plants retire, this crucial stabilizing force is disappearing.

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X2_400x224px_170925_Grid Stability

Grid stability risks

Without adequate inertia and reactive power support, grids face increased risks of frequency fluctuations, voltage instability, and potential blackouts.

Speak to an ABB expert

Our comprehensive white paper, "Stabilizing the Future," explores how synchronous condensers are essential for integrating renewable energy and ensuring a reliable power supply.

What's inside:

Market and regulatory trends: Understand the driving forces behind the demand for grid support technologies
Technical advantages: Discover the unique benefits of synchronous condensers compared to other solutions.
Case studies: Learn from successful implementations in Australia, Canada, and more.
Strategic recommendations: Get expert advice for navigating renewable integration and grid modernization.

Download white paper

ABB’s extensive turnkey solution for a stable grid

We help grid operators and energy developers ensure efficient, resilient, and future-ready power systems with tailored synchronous condenser solutions, offering real-time plant reporting and control, backed by decades of global experience and industry-leading integration expertise.

Synchronous Condensers

Power Generation Solutions

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X2_1185x350px_SynchCon_170925

Synchronous Condensers are rotating electrical machines that resemble synchronous generators. However, they are not a generator as they are not driven by an engine or turbine. Neither are they a motor, as they do not drive a load. Instead, they are large rotating machines that adjust fluctuating conditions of an electric grid. Installed at strategic intervals along a power transmission system, Synchronous Condensers help maintain power quality.

ABB’s Synchronous condensers have been designed to meet project-specific needs in England, Australia, Canada, and Scotland. And with today’s influx of renewables, a synchronous condenser is the most secure solution to mitigate severe faults that could collapse a grid, or to strengthen a weak grid.

Key facts

Technology has been in use for over 100 years
Supports increasing integration of renewable energy sources
Most secure solution to mitigate faults

Key benefits

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X4_390x195px_170925_Inertia

High inertia

ABB synchronous condensers with flywheel provide high and instantaneous inertia, which ensure stable network frequency.

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X4_390x195px_170925_ShortCircuit

Short-circuit power

Designed for significant overload capability, ABB synchronous condensers can support instantaneous faults by reducing voltage dips and helping renewables in fault ride-through capability.

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X4_390x195px_170925_Reactive

Reactive power

ABB synchronous condensers can maintain network voltage by supplying or absorbing reactive power.

ABB_SC_HomePageImages_X4_390x195px_170925_Support

Worldwide support

ABB customer support service is available in any location – ABB specialists provide fast and highly professional support in all stages from planning, commissioning to maintenance.

Utilities face immense pressure to provide safe, reliable energy while reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity. From maintaining grid stability to securing against cyberattacks, power-generation companies need adaptable, integrated solutions.

ABB leads these efforts with comprehensive offerings that support the entire project lifecycle. We help customers optimize plant operations, minimize costs, and achieve up to 20% savings.