| Grid stability Clutchless conversion to syncon for 7F.05


GE Vernova has announced the successful completion of a first-of-its-kind demonstration and validation of a clutchless synchronous condenser upgrade on a GE Vernova simple-cycle 7F.05 gas turbine.


“We enabled our 7F.05 gas turbine to switch between power generation and synchronous condensing modes in minutes, not hours — expanding the operational flexibility of the asset and the support it can provide to the grid,” said Amit Kulkarni, Vice President of Product Management at GE Vernova. “This advanced solution may be extended also to other heavy-duty fleets, including E-, F-, and H-class units, following successful validation tests.”


After more than two years of evaluating multiple configurations, operating conditions, and critical scenarios to ensure real world grid performance, GE Vernova completed the detailed engineering and risk assessment for this novel clutchless


GE Vernova 7F.05 gas turbine. Image: GE Vernova


configuration, integrating proprietary software and hardware advancements.


How it works


Using an existing gas turbine to provide voltage and frequency support without firing the unit allows support to be provided to the grid precisely when it’s most needed, without combusting fuel, says GE Vernova. Traditionally, gas turbines can be converted to synchronous condensers by installing a clutch between the power turbine and the generator. However, for


existing heavy-duty gas turbines, this modification is usually expensive and not cost-effective. In the clutchless configuration, when the gas turbine is not needed for power production, it remains physically connected, but is unfired, while the generator continues to stay synchronised to the grid. In this mode, the equipment provides system stability and grid support by supplying reactive power and inertia to help maintain voltage and frequency.


Between September and


October 2025, a test gas turbine operated in synchronous condenser mode for over 500 hours across ten transitions back and forth between power generation and synchronous condensing operation. Throughout this period, the unit delivered consistently reliable performance with full availability while in synchronous condenser mode, supplying up to 225 MVAR (Mega-Volt-Ampere Reactive) of reactive power to support the grid and maintaining readiness to return to power generation as needed.


Elecnor’s growing role in syncon business


Elecnor of Spain has strengthened its alliance with Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable energy producer, following the award of two new contracts for the installation of synchronous condensers.


With these projects, the company will be responsible for the execution of a total of four facilities of this type on the island of Ireland, doubling its participation in the country’s grid stability programme.


The new contract awards are in addition to projects already underway in Glencloosagh and Coleraine and are part of Ireland’s Low Carbon Inertia Services (LCIS) programme. This initiative is led by transmission system operators EirGrid in the Republic of Ireland and SONI in Northern Ireland. It aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuel based


power generation and facilitate greater integration of renewable energies into the electricity system.


The recently awarded infrastructure projects feature 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), another synchronous condenser will be installed alongside a 220/15 kV substation. As in the first phase of the programme, these facilities play an essential role in providing inertia, reactive power and short- circuit power compensation to the grid. Their commissioning is key to Ireland and Northern Ireland achieving their 2030


climate and renewable energy penetration targets.


To carry out these new projects, Elecnor will maintain the consortium structure used in previous contracts. Elecnor Servicios y Proyectos will take the lead role alongside its subsidiaries IQA Operations Group in the United Kingdom and ESYP in the Republic of Ireland. With these awards, Elecnor can be seen to be consolidating its international position in the deployment of synchronous condensers in markets such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Brazil and Spain. Elecnor says its ability to undertake design, construction and commissioning under a full EPC model is a “differentiating factor in grid stability projects where reliability and meeting deadlines are critical.”


Piston power helps to balance Brazil


Wärtsilä has signed two equipment supply contracts with Origem Energia for the development of new balancing power projects in Brazil. The contracts cover the supply of two batches of 18 Wärtsilä 34SG engines. The orders follow the Reserve Capacity Auction 2026 (LRCAP), the largest capacity auction ever held in Brazil for contracted power. Origem Energia emerged as one of the main winners of the auction, securing projects


scheduled to begin commercial operation between 2028 and 2029. The selected projects include the Pilar and Pilar Nova power plants, set to begin operation in October 2028, as well as the Manguaba I–V projects, scheduled to begin operation in August 2029. “The projects awarded in LRCAP 2026 are intended to provide balancing capacity that supports the reliability of the Brazilian power system as generation of renewable power


increases. As these plants enter commercial operation, they are expected to play a key role in meeting system needs for flexible capacity,” says Luiz Felipe Coutinho, CEO of Origem Energia.


The initiative also highlights Origem Energia’s integrated model, which utilises its own onshore natural gas resources and underground gas storage capacity to enable gas-to-wire projects.


www.modernpowersystems.com | May/June 2026 | 31


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