Implementation of New Synchronous Condensers
Status: engineering design phase ongoing.
The aim of the project
To implement the necessary measures for synchronisation with continental European networks: to install 3 synchronous condensers, thus ensuring the required amount of inertia and dynamic stability of the system in the most efficient way.
Significance of the project
Synchronisation with the Central European Synchronous Area (CESA) is the last step towards Lithuania’s energy independence. Currently, our electricity system is still dependent on frequency control in Russia, but already in 2025, it will operate in one synchronous area together with the systems of other European countries.
According to the agreement with the transmission system operators of continental Europe, the Baltic States must ensure at least 17100 MW/s inertia of the electricity system. The main sources of inertia are rotating synchronous units - generators, motors or units operating in synchronous condenser mode. This is one of the requirements that Lithuania must implement in preparation for synchronisation.
The main benefits of synchronous condensers are:
To increase the short-circuit power (connection of synchronous condensers at the connection point improves the power quality parameters, reduces the amplitude of voltage dips during the short-circuit)
To ensure system inertia (connection of flywheel systems required for additional inertia)
Reactive power compensation (reactive power consumption/ generation in the grid to ensure reactive power balance and permissible mains voltage levels).
General project information
Synchronous condensers are used in transmission networks to improve the dynamic stability of power systems and ensure reactive power management.
In Lithuania, synchronous condensers will be installed in Alytus, Neris and Telšiai transformer substations. The project is implemented in two stages:
Phase I. Substations are reconstructed by installing the necessary transmission grid equipment to connect synchronous condensers to the transmission grid.
Phase II. Design, manufacturing and installation of synchronous condensers.
3 synchronous condensers will also be installed in Latvia and Estonia.
Work calendar
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Activities
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Date of implementation
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The purchase of an engineering consultant was announced
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2021 Q2
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A permit for the reconstruction of Alytus transformer substation was received
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2021 Q2
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A permit for the reconstruction of the Telšiai transformer substation was obtained
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2021 Q3
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A contract with a synchronous condensers contractor was signed
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2021 Q3
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A contract with an engineering consultant was signed
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2021 Q3
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Installation works of Alytus and Telšiai synchronous condensers completed
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2023 Q2
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Synchronous condensers delivered to the Neris transformer substation
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2023 Q2
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Installation of Neris synchronous condensers completed
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2024 Q4
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