Hitachi Energy STATCOM delivers safe and reliable power to New Zealand energy consumers

Hitachi Energy has commissioned a 150 MVAr Static Compensator (STATCOM) alongside Transpower’s Hamilton Substation to improve voltage stability and supply quality for electricity customers in New Zealand while paving the way for more renewable energy generation.

Transpower owns and operates the national grid in New Zealand, providing the infrastructure and market systems that connect electricity generators to major electricity users and distribution networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses nationwide. Electricity usage in New Zealand is forecast to grow by 70% by 2050, requiring Transpower to increase grid capacity and ensure assets are resilient and robust to maintain supply reliability.

Demand growth and the de-commissioning of fossil-fuelled generation in the Waikato and Upper North region have increased the risk of voltage instability. The new STATCOM will substantially reduce this risk and optimise Transpower’s existing electricity infrastructure to support a decarbonised economy with more renewable energy.

Hitachi Energy’s innovative SVC Light® STATCOM technology increases power transfer capability by enhancing voltage stability to maintain a smooth voltage profile under different network conditions. STATCOMs are a proven technology for improving voltage support and helping to maximise the value of assets on high-voltage electricity grids.

Transpower looked at various options for non-transmission solutions, such as demand-side response and battery storage systems. The STATCOM was Transpower’s preferred option because it provided the best overall grid stability and response time outcome. Its compact power electronics and technology could also be provided within a constrained footprint adjacent to the existing Hamilton Substation site.

Hitachi Energy through its forebears has a legacy of delivering key power electronics-based infrastructure in New Zealand since 1965.  Its technology first formed part of the 600MW HVDC Interisland Link between Benmore (on the South Island) and Haywards (on the North Island).

Watch the video on the Hamilton STATCOM delivered for Transpower

Find out more about Hitachi Energy’s Capacitors and Filters, Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) and STATCOMs.