Synchronous condensers—synchronous electrical machines that provide and absorb reactive power—are a mature technology that is gaining renewed interest as an effective way to maintain grid stability. The benefits of a synchronous condenser to the power system, such as the provision of short-circuit current, inertia, dynamic reactive power, and bus voltage control, are widely recognized. However, the performance and cost of synchronous condensers can vary widely, depending on the specifications provided to the manufacturer for their design.
This research provides a detailed market overview and comprehensive capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates for various synchronous condenser options, analyzes key technical capabilities, and a discusses some of the most common or most important options for project modifications. The insights presented in this report can help support renewable energy development strategy in consideration of key system characteristics, including provision of inertia, generation asset repurposing and recovery, and cost-effective system stability.