ENGIE Chile has taken a significant step in its energy transformation plan by winning the installation of a synchronous condenser in the Tender for Complementary Voltage Control Services of the National Electric Coordinator (CEN). This advance will strengthen the northern power grid and improve the integration of variable renewable energies through devices called synchronous condensers.
What is a synchronous condenser and how does it work?
The synchronous condenser is a rotating electrical machine that improves the quality of electricity in the network by combining characteristics of a synchronous motor and a capacitor. Its main function is to adjust the fluctuating conditions of the power grid, supplying or absorbing reactive power and providing support in case of faults. These devices will operate uninterruptedly and their installation is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.
The use of synchronous condensers will reduce the forced or safety dispatch of other generating units, which could reduce annual emissions by 753,316 tons of CO₂/MWh if it avoids generating a combined cycle for one year. According to the CEN, the provision of these services will begin in 2027 and are expected to have a useful life of 25 years.
ENGIE Chile reuses infrastructure in Tocopilla
ENGIE’s synchronous condenser will be located at the same site where the former Unit No. 15 of the Tocopilla Thermal Complex (CTT), which generated coal-fired power and was shut down in September 2022, used to operate. The existing facilities, such as the buildings, the control room, the generator and the Central Tocopilla substation, will be reused to operate this rotating electrical machine, which does not depend on fossil fuels.
Rosaline Corinthien, CEO of ENGIE Chile, expressed her commitment to the energy transition and the sustainability of the electricity system and the community of Tocopilla. Since the shutdown of the last coal-fired unit, ENGIE has sought alternatives to continue contributing to local development. In addition to the installation of the Synchronous Condenser, the following project has been announced BESS Tocopilla a battery-based energy storage system, has been announced.
Closure of Unit No. 15 of the Tocopilla Thermal Complex. Source: ENGIE Chile
New use of the Tocopilla Thermal Complex
Gabriel Marcuz, Managing Director of ENGIE Flex Gen & Retail, highlighted the importance of giving a second life to the Tocopilla Thermal Complex. This project is part of ENGIE’s Just Transition Plan, which seeks to maintain its presence in the growth of the commune through essential infrastructure for Chile’s energy transition. Synchronous condensers provide stability to the National Electric System (SEN) through reactive control and fault support.
ENGIE was the only generator to win one of the bidding projects and is a pioneer in the conversion of thermal assets in Chile. In addition to the reuse of the former CTT Unit No. 15, the Mejillones Energy Infrastructure (IEM), which currently operates on coal, will begin to generate gas-fired power from mid-2026.
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Source and photo: ENGIE
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