Installing synchronous condensers in the Baltic States: construction work starts in Latvia

On 14 December, history was made in Grobina as a symbolic time capsule marked the commencement of the ?synchronous condenser construction in Latvia. In this exclusive interview, we engage with Arnis Daugulis , esteemed Member of the Board at Augstsprieguma tīkls AS , the Latvian electricity transmission system operator. While explaining the significance of synchronous condensers, Daugulis also shares insights into the early history of the project and navigates through the challenges encountered during the execution of this expansive project.

Where will the synchronous condensers be installed in Latvia?

JSC Augstsprieguma tīkls, in cooperation with EM&SE Syncons, a general partnership formed by Siemens Energy of Germany and SIA Enersense of Latvia, will construct and connect to the transmission network, a total of three synchronous condenser stations in Latvia – in Grobi?a, Ventspils and Līksna.

What criteria led to the selection of these specific sites during the planning phase? The choice of locations for synchronous condenser stations is related to the proximity to the high-voltage substation and the availability of the necessary land, as well as logistical considerations for the supply of condensers.

What are the key stages of the synchronous condensers project in Latvia? When is each stage expected to be completed? Could you share the total estimated cost of the synchronous condensers project in Latvia?

The construction of all three synchronous condenser stations in Latvia is proceeding according to plan. In Grobi?a, a message to future generations has been laid and the concrete foundation works have started for the first high-power synchronous machine or condenser station, a strategically important infrastructure object for the stability of Latvia’s electric power system. In Līksna, substation expansion works are finished and in Ventspils, they are they are nearly finished. In the Ventspils substation, the foundations have been built, the installation of the metal structures and the laying of the secondary cables have begun.

The first synchronous condenser produced for Latvia has already undergone rotor tests at Siemens Energy production facility in Germany. Operational tests of the condenser itself are set for January, with a view to delivering the 298-tonne condenser to Grobi?a next spring. The machine’s impeller weighs another 96 tonnes and rotates at 3,000 rpm in normal operation. Each synchronous condenser station will have a capacity of 100 MVA (Mega Volt Amps). All three condensers are scheduled to be commissioned in 2025. 75% of the eligible costs of synchronous condenser projects are covered by co-financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

What are the main challenges faced by your team in the current phase of the project? How is your team addressing and overcoming these challenges?

Synchronous condensers are a new equipment for JSC "Augstsprieguma tikls" (AST), but this does not scare us, because there are three factors that allow us to be sure that we will do everything on time and with good quality. First of all, the professionalism of AST, which we have already proven by implementing large and complex projects – high voltage line “Kurzemes loks” (The Kurzeme Ring), the third Latvian-Estonian interconnection, the reconstruction of the Valmiera-Tartu, Valmiera-Tsirgulina line. Secondly, we have excellent partners - "Siemens Energy", "Enersense". Thirdly, and the most important thing: we work as one team together with our partners, relying on each other's professionalism in an atmosphere of mutual trust and openness. This allows us to constructively solve every obstacle that is inevitable in projects of this scale.

How will this project contribute to the synchronisation of the Baltic States with the continental European grid, what is its significance?

The construction of synchronous condensers is part of the transmission system infrastructure reinforcement projects needed to synchronise the Baltic electricity system with continental Europe.

The construction of the synchronous condenser station will help maintain inertia and stability in the transmission network. This will become particularly important once the Baltic states’ electricity grids are synchronised with Europe, and as large-scale renewable energy generators are connected to the grid.

Synchronous condenser projects in Estonia and Lithuania?

In Estonia, the Püssi synchronous condenser is currently operational, having been successfully connected to the grid. The second condenser at Kiisa is currently in trial operation, with the third Viru synchronous condenser scheduled for installation next summer.?

Meanwhile, in Lithuania, synchronous condensers have already reached Tel?iai and Alytus. Their connection to the grid is anticipated in the spring of 2024. Additionally, the condenser designated for the Neris substation is expected to arrive in the upcoming spring, at which point installation work will commence.