Power plant products |
New strategic synchronous condenser projects
Spain-based Elecnor has strengthened its alliance with Statkraft, believed to be Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, following the award of two new contracts for the installation of synchronous condensers (‘SynCons’). With these projects, Elecnor will be responsible for the execution of a total of four plants of this type in Ireland, doubling its participation in the grid stability programme. The new contract awards are in addition to the projects already underway in Glencloosagh and Coleraine and are part of Ireland’s Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) programme. This initiative is being led by the transmission system operators EirGrid in the Republic of Ireland and SONI in Northern
Ireland and aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel generation and facilitate greater integration of renewable energies into the electricity system.
The recently awarded infrastructure projects feature technical configurations tailored to the characteristics of each site, In Coolkeeragh (Northern Ireland), a synchronous condenser
will be implemented alongside a 275/15 kV substation. In Quarry Lane (Republic of Ireland), a synchronous condenser will be installed alongside a 220/15 kV substation. These facilities play an important role in providing inertia, reactive power and short- circuit power compensation to the grid, and in helping Ireland and Northern Ireland to achieve their 2030 climate and renewable energy penetration targets.
To carry out the projects, Elecnor will maintain the consortium structure used in previous contracts. Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos will lead the operations alongside its subsidiaries IQA Operations Group in the UK and ESYP in the Republic of Ireland.
Value of pole sleeving confirmed by ten-year test results
free of decay. On average across both sites, poles fitted with barrier sleeves recorded moisture content levels 20% lower than un-sleeved poles, confirming the effectiveness of barrier sleeves in reducing moisture ingress at the ground-line and lowering the risk of decay.
The latest ten-year data from continuing full-scale pole trials at two UK field test sites has confirmed the ability of dual-layer barrier sleeves to prevent ground-line decay. The independent report, produced by the Buildings Research Establishment, measured the relative performance of ACQ preservative-treated utility poles installed both with and without the dual- layer composite ground-line barrier sleeves, Polesaver Rot-Guards, measuring pole moisture content and decay. The trials were designed to
reflect typical UK installation environments: In Peterborough, poles were installed in tarmac to represent built-up urban environments, while in Penistone the poles were installed in an open field environment with wet ground conditions, with grass and tree shading limiting the drying out of the surrounding soil.
After a decade of exposure, ground-line decay was identified in an un-sleeved pole at both test sites, demonstrating that decay conditions existed while all the sleeved poles remained sound and
All standard preservative-treated poles exhibited visible wetting and algae growth at the ground-line section, while poles fitted with barrier sleeves remained visibly dry and free from algae above the sleeved zone.
An advantage of sleeving is that while preservative treatments provide a strong baseline level of protection, the data shows that the addition of a composite barrier sleeve effectively isolates the wood from decay-causing conditions, maximising pole longevity and protecting utility assets. The impermeable barrier sleeves also maintain preservative in the sleeved zone over time, preventing loss due to leaching.
End–to–end solutions for energy providers
Prominent IT and business consultant CGI, with energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric, are further expanding their strategic partnership to support energy suppliers in German-speaking countries with the provision of sustainable end-to-end solutions. The transition to renewable energy, the digitisation of networks and growing regulatory complexity are creating challenges as well as new opportunities for the energy market, and the expanded partnership aims to support energy suppliers in responding to these evolving demands. Under the agreement, Schneider Electric will provide solutions for grid operations and planning, including advanced
distribution management systems (ADMS) and geographic information systems (GIS). CGI brings established energy sector expertise, leading software implementation and system integration, and supports energy suppliers as a managed services partner. AI will play a critical role in future transformation projects at energy suppliers. In the energy sector, the growing adoption of AI-based solutions is creating additional value through process optimisation, cost efficiencies and improved sustainability.
“Together with Schneider Electric, we are now creating an innovative offering for the German-speaking energy market that combines
40 | March 2026 |
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technological excellence with deep industry knowledge,” said Stefan Becker, president of Germany operations, CGI. “Our end-to- end solutions will help energy companies successfully navigate the dynamic changes that come with strict regulations.”
CGI and Schneider Electric are also working closely together in the Digitopia Business Hub of Eurelectric, the European electricity industry association. The Digitopia forum brings together digital experts from the energy sector, from electricity suppliers to technology companies, to share experiences and discuss common challenges. AI will be one of the key topics in 2026.
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