Following a market need to move away from fossil fuel generation between 2015 and 2020, an additional 200% of renewable energies have been generated in Australia. The Kiamal solar farm is a 256 MWp solar park in the NW of the State of Victoria, connected to a very fragile network. Thus, the network operator requested an additional 170 MVAr contribution of electrical power in short circuits, to cope with the risk of blackout in the Victoria region, and in that of New South Wales.  

The synchronous condenser, Omexom Australia’s solution 

Omexom, the VINCI Energies brand dedicated to energy infrastructure, has developed a safe and efficient solution for power factor compensation: the synchronous condenser. An alternative to capacitor banks, it makes it possible to maintain the efficiency of the installations, by providing a power reserve through inertia, contributing to network stability, and reducing maintenance costs. The synchronous condenser creates a buffer effect which prevents the ripple from disturbing the network. The Omexom installed synchronous condenser is capable of meeting and exceeding the network system strength demand and provides our client with the option to sell surplus system strength services to other players in the local electricity market. 

With renewable energy production expected to increase by 15% per year, four additional synchronous condensers are planned for Victoria and three for New South Wales. 

This project confirms Omexom expertise in the EPC contractual model and its ability to deliver complex technical solutions for its clients. 

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