GE Vernova, TECO to Install STATCOM Systems at Taiwan Substations

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions segment 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 STATCOM (static synchronous compensator) systems and transformers.

“TECO has outstanding electromechanical technology and a proven track record in the field of electromechanical engineering,” said Mr. Pin Chang, President of Intelligence Energy Business Group, TECO, responsible for civil work and overall site operations. “Through its collaboration with GE Vernova, we can enhance Taiwan's renewable power grid and ensure a more stable electricity supply.”

The installed STATCOMs connect with 161 kV transmission lines and will facilitate the integration of renewable energy and enhance the grid stability within Taiwan. GE Vernova’s grid solution is a type of flexible AC transmission system capable of regulating voltage and reactive power during times of increased renewable energy usage.

Static synchronous compensator (STATCOM); Image Credits: GE Vernova

“We are honored to contribute to Taiwan's renewable energy goals through the deployment of our advanced STATCOM technology,” said Shailesh Mishra, Regional Leader for GE Vernova’s Grid System Integration business in Asia Pacific. “This collaboration with TECO underscores our commitment to sustainable energy solutions that drive positive change on a global scale.”

In February 2024, the company’s Grid Solutions business launched a new software portfolio called GridBeats, a collection of automation solutions designed to streamline grid digitalization and enhance grid resilience. The GridBeats portfolio provides digital solutions for the power grid to manage challenges such as aging infrastructure, inadequate control mechanisms, and a lack of fast, reliable communication.

"With the ongoing emphasis on climate change, we are witnessing the most significant transformation of the grid in over a century,” said Nicolas Gibergues, Grid Automation Senior Executive & Business Line Leader, GE Vernova's Grid Solutions. “In response, GE Vernova has rolled out GridBeats, a suite of Grid Automation software solutions designed to assist utilities in adapting to these changes while ensuring their grid operates smoothly."

The software enhances grid resilience and reliability with faster controls, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)-based automation, and improved cybersecurity. GridBeats improves visibility across the grid, from larger areas to specific equipment, due to precise sensors and dependable communication networks. Software-defined automation allows for greater flexibility, boosted performance, and a sped-up shift toward sustainable energy.

GE Vernova also launched GridOS Data Fabric, an additional software for grid applications, to help utilities operate a smarter, more resilient grid as renewable energy increases and extreme weather events become more frequent. The software uses federation to access decentralized data from multiple sources and virtualization to generate a centralized view across the grid ecosystem, including transmission, distribution, information technology (IT), and operational technology (OT) applications.

A unified data perspective helps operators discover, govern, and utilize large volumes of highly distributed data to make informed decisions faster while managing the grid in real time. GridOS Data Fabric can integrate energy data from across OT and IT applications, as well as external data sources such as weather, wildfire, traffic, and emergency services information, to enable coordinated decision-making.