GE Vernova Provides Grid-Stability Equipment for Chilean Substations

GE Vernova is set to supply synchronous condensers and high-voltage substations for the Ana Maria and Monte Mina projects in Chile per an order from Transelec Holdings Rentas. The substation projects fall under a tender titled “Voltage Control by Short Circuit Current Contribution”—a national plan to support the energy transition and decarbonization. Commercial operation of the project extension is slated for 2027.

“GE Vernova has been committed to helping accelerate the energy transition in Latin America for a long time, and we believe that the synchronous condenser is a key technology to help with grid challenges,” said Frederic Ribieras, CEO, GE Vernova Hydro Power. “GE Vernova has experience through its large synchronous condenser installed base that have similarities with the engineering of a hydroelectric generator. We have the manufacturing capacity and knowledge to produce it in our factory in Taubaté, Brazil.”

GE Vernova’s Hydro Power segment will deliver two synchronous condensers for Ana Maria and two for Monte Mina. The company’s work also includes engineering, electrical and mechanical auxiliaries, control systems, protection systems, assembly at site supervision, and commissioning.

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will supply 220 kV substations alongside electrical engineering, transformers, gas-insulated substations, protection and control systems, and testing and commissioning to connect synchronous condenser islands with transmission systems.

Synchronous condenser; Image Credits: GE Vernova

“GE Vernova’s high-voltage portfolio and flexible AC transmission systems are key to supporting the energy transition, facilitating the expansion and modernization of the grid,” said Johan Bindele, Head of Grid Systems Integration at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business. “As a reliable player with a presence in Chile for almost a century, GE Vernova actively contributes to the country’s energy transition plans with a portfolio of solutions.”

Synchronous condensers—large rotating generators designed to improve voltage regulation—help with the uptick in wind and solar power generation in Northern Chile and reduce the risk of blackouts. They help ensure energy security and stabilize the grid.

In June 2024, GE Vernova and Seatrium Ltd. received a contract from TenneT to build a 2 GW HVDC electric offshore transmission system in the Netherlands with commissioning slated for 2031. This is the third contract under a five-year framework cooperation agreement announced in March 2023 between TenneT and the consortium.

TenneT will leverage the HVDC transmission system to connect 40 GW of offshore wind energy in the German and Dutch North Sea, serving the Nederwiek 2 offshore wind farm located approximately 95 km off the Netherlands’ coast. In addition to the Nederwiek farm, the framework agreement covers two more projects valued at nearly €2 billion each: IJmuiden Ver Beta and IJmuiden Ver Gamma.

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business will conduct the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCI) of HVDC converter stations while Seatrium will handle the EPCI and transportation work of the 2 GW HVDC offshore converter platform.

In May, GE Vernova Grid Solutions and TECO Electric and Machinery Co. broke ground on a technology installation project for two substations in Taiwan: The ZhangGong Step-Up Substation and the YongXing Switchyard. The Taiwan Power Co.’s substations will have two GE Vernova ±200 Mvar static synchronous compensator systems and transformers.