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Transgrid owns and operates the high voltage transmission network in NSW and the ACT, with connections to Victoria and Queensland. Our network currently consists of over 13,000 km of high voltage transmission wires and 128 substations.

Transgrid is responsible for ensuring sufficient system strength services are available to maintain the stability of the NSW power system.

We are leading the transition to Australia’s clean energy future. The traditional coal system that served our country for decades is nearing the end of its life, to be replaced by wind and solar generation.

Further information is available on our website: https://www.transgrid.com.au/about-us 

The ‘System Strength Project’ has been established in collaboration with the NSW Government to fast-track the deployment of synchronous condensers at five strategic locations on Transgrid’s network.

Synchronous condensers have been used to stabilise power systems for more than a hundred years. They are large machines which rotate freely and produce reactive power to stabilise and strengthen a power system. Synchronous condensers provide fault current to the network, helping ensure protection systems can operate correctly. Synchronous condensers are deployed to boost system strength, inertia and voltage support. Synchronous condensers make the network robust to disturbances such as a sudden loss of a generating unit or transmission lines, without other generators or equipment ‘tripping’ incorrectly.

The synchronous condensers operate at 15kV and are connected to the existing 330kV network through a 330kV/15kV transformer at existing Transgrid substations.

The ‘System Strength Project’ is expected to deliver an additional $1 billion in net market benefits by maintaining a safe and reliable power system and reducing emissions from thermal generators.

Synchronous condenser construction is planned to commence in mid-2026. Progressive energisation of synchronous condensers at the five sites is expected from early 2028 to early 2029.

Transgrid has engaged GE Vernova to supply the synchronous condensers after successfully completing a global tender process. GE Vernova has supplied dozens of synchronous condensers for customers in the UK, Europe, Australia and North America.

To fast-track delivery, GE Vernova will be deploying two smaller synchronous condensers at each of the five sites, rather than one larger synchronous condenser at each site.

The synchronous condensers will be operating from five existing Transgrid substations.

1. Kemps Creek 500kV substation, off Gurner Avenue, West Hoxton in Western Sydney
2. Newcastle 330kV substation, 101 Killingworth Road, Killingworth
3. Armidale 330kV substation, 452 Waterfall Way, Armidale
4. Wellington 330kV substation Gulgong Rd, Wellington
5. Darlington Point 330kV substation, 336 Donald Ross Drive, Darlington Point.

The NSW Department of Climate Change Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has deemed the project a Priority Network Infrastructure Project (PNIP). What does that mean?

A Priority Network Infrastructure Project is a project designated under the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 that allows the Minister for Energy to fast-track critical network projects. Directing a project gives the state more control over how and when a project is delivered and helps streamline the cost recovery process.

The project’s approval is being self-determined by Transgrid under Part 5, Division 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

A Class 3 Summary Environmental Report (SER) was deemed the appropriate environmental assessment as the project impacts were assessed as minor with most of the work occurring within existing substation sites.

Transgrid is responsible for building and operating the synchronous condensers once they are installed. Transgrid will engage specialist contractors to assist in delivering the project through the planning and construction phase.

The synchronous condensers will be manufactured in England and delivered by cargo ship to the nearest port. Vehicles will then transport the synchronous condensers to each site. Deliveries of synchronous condensers will comply with state and local road rules for large deliveries to reduce community impacts on the road network.

What specific activities will be carried out as part of this project? Transgrid, with the assistance of its delivery partners, will be installing synchronous condensers at five existing Transgrid substations. Works to enable the delivery and installation of the synchronous condensers will include:

• substation extension works
• earth grid extensions
• concreting
• cable trenching
• constructing the machine hall to house the synchronous condenser
• transformer installation
• reactive plant protection
• system control upgrades
• access road upgrades so construction and heavy vehicles can access sites
• environmental management including vegetation trimming and clearing make way for the synchronous condenser shed to safely house the machinery on flat ground.
• community and worker safety measures
• community consultation to both inform the community and manage/ mitigate community impacts
• minor transmission line augmentation works.

Transgrid staff and contractors delivering the project will be required to comply with all environmental management conditions outlined in the Summary Environmental Report. As part of these conditions, a Construction Environment Management Plan will detail how the contractor must manage impacts during construction, such as traffic, noise, dust, biosecurity and hours of work.

On each Transgrid project, we ensure our activities and services minimise environmental impacts. We do this to protect communities, to achieve sustainable growth and to comply with legislation. Protecting the habitats of native species is a key priority.

Transgrid’s controlled environmental measures include:

• avoiding clearing vegetation and mature trees where possible
• minimising habitat disturbance
• revegetation with local plants
• providing escape routes for fauna

The synchronous condensers will be situated within existing Transgrid property with no new infrastructure required outside of substation boundaries.

No, there are no plans to establish a new easement or increase the size of an existing easement to allow for the project to proceed.

The NSW Government has entered into an agreement to support Transgrid’s acceleration of its procurement of five synchronous condensers and directed it to deliver them at five of its substation sites across NSW as a Priority Network Infrastructure Project.

Transgrid also supported DCCEEW in consulting with local councils, relevant Ministers and NSW Government departments to seek feedback on the planned installation of the synchronous condensers.