2024-06-06
Third synchronous condenser arrived in Lithuania: installation work begins
Synchronous condenser, the largest piece of equipment in the electricity transmission network required for synchronisation with Continental Europe, has been successfully delivered to the Neris transformer substation near Vilnius, and installation work has begun. This project, carried out by Litgrid, Lithuania’s electricity transmission system operator, will enhance system reliability and contribute to Lithuania’s energy independence in preparation for synchronisation with the continental European grid and the development of renewable energy sources.
“The third synchronous condenser has reached the Neris substation. All components have been successfully delivered, and the construction site is ready for installation work, which will commence shortly. At the Telšiai and Alytus substations, these activities are nearing completion, and we will soon initiate trial operation of the equipment. The synchronous condenser project is a pivotal endeavour for the Baltic countries as we prepare to join the Continental Europe Synchronous Area. These powerful devices are essential for synchronous operation, ensuring grid inertia and safeguarding the power system against unexpected disturbances. Additionally, synchronous condensers play a crucial role in developing an electricity system powered entirely by renewable energy,” says Rokas Masiulis, CEO of Litgrid.
A synchronous condenser is a powerful, high-mass rotating electric motor connected to the electricity grid. It has the capability to store rotational energy and can function as a generator when needed. The primary purpose of a synchronous condenser is to stabilize the frequency of the power system and enhance the dynamic stability of the grid. Specifically, it reduces voltage drops during short circuits, ensures grid inertia, and compensates for reactive power.
Weighing over 460 tonnes, unit was manufactured at Siemens Energy’s factory in Germany. After factory testing, it was dismantled into individual components. It was then transported to the port of Rotterdam, loaded onto a ship and travelled approximately 1,500 km across the North and Baltic seas to reach Lithuania.
Upon arrival, the components of the synchronous condenser were unloaded at the port of Klaipėda in early May. Some cargo was transported by road, while the heaviest component—the 254-tonne generator stator—was transported by rail to Bezdonys railway station. Finally, on the night of June 6th, the stator completed its journey to the Neris transformer substation, covering the last kilometres in the specially configured truck.
“I am grateful to all colleagues, institutions, logistics and other partners for their cooperation in working together for Lithuania's energy independence. With the support of the European Union, the project crucial for all three Baltic countries can now be implemented more quickly,” says R. Masiulis.
In total, three synchronous condensers will be integrated into the transmission grid in Lithuania—at the transformer substations in Telšiai, Alytus, and Neris. The installation of the Telšiai and Alytus synchronous condensers is expected to be completed this year.
The installation of synchronous condensers is one of the main projects of the synchronisation with the Continental Europe Synchronous Area.
Litgrid has already successfully completed eight synchronisation projects. These are: expansion of Bitėnai transformer substation, construction of Pagėgiai-Bitėnai 110 kV overhead line, reconstruction of Lietuvos E-Vilnius 330 kV overhead line, expansion of LitPol Link in Alytus, test of emergency assistance to the Lithuanian electricity system from the Polish electricity system via a synchronous interconnector, grid optimisation in North-Eastern Lithuania, Isolated Operation Test of the power system of the Republic of Lithuania, and implementation of Automatic Generation Control System.
Until now, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, together with Russia and Belarus, operate in the IPS/UPS system, where the electricity frequency is centrally controlled in Russia. Connection to Continental Europe Synchronous Area and synchronous operation with Poland, Germany and other continental European countries will be ensured no later than February 2025.
The synchronisation projects implemented by the Baltic and Polish TSOs are partly financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility.
