Steady power in a shifting world

As renewables rise and grids become volatile, ANDRITZ delivers the Tools to keep electricity flowing safely and smoothly.

To enable a cost-effective energy transition with renewables like wind and solar, maintaining grid stability is becoming increasingly important. Electricity must stay within strict limits of frequency and voltage. Previously, this was easier when most generation came from large rotating machines like steam turbines, which provide natural inertia to support the grid during fluctuations or faults.

While hydropower offers unique large scale flexibility, most other renewables are inherently variable and require complementary solutions for reliable grid operation. When voltage and frequency limits are exceeded, or when faults propagate through the transmission system, the consequences can be significant as illustrated this year by the catastrophic col lapse of the grid that took place across the Iberian Peninsula.

ANDRITZ has long recognized both the reality of this challenge and the scale of the response needed to address it. Consequently, it is bringing new focus on its wide range of grid stability solutions.

Hydropower’s flexibility makes it a vital stabilizer. Advanced turbines and control technologies from ANDRITZ enable rapid response to supply and demand changes, keeping the grid within safe operating limits. Pumped storage systems act as large scale energy reservoirs — absorbing excess power and releasing it when needed to balance renewable intermittency.

Another key technology designed to bolster grid stability and further support grid resilience is the synchronous condenser. A reliable and cost-effective solution typically installed in substations, the synchronous condenser is a rotating machine that delivers reactive power for voltage support, short circuit strength, and inertia capabilities essential for grids with high renewable energy penetration. These systems have already been successfully deployed in countries like Australia, Brazil, and the USA.

ANDRITZ’s turbo generators are meeting the growing demands of sectors such as LNG production and data centers — industries that require high-capacity, stable power. As digital technologies like AI, VR, and cloud computing expand, ANDRITZ is helping ensure the infrastructure behind them remains robust and future ready.

A strong R&D function also plays an extremely important role in supporting new developments in this field. From the world’s most powerful turbine test rig to global academic collaborations, ANDRITZ continues to push technological boundaries.

Today, ANDRITZ is being led through the next steps on the journey to comprehensive grid stability by Céline Agnès Mahieux, Ph.D, as new Vice President, Grid Solutions. Dr. Mahieux brings a wealth of experience in technology innovation to the role and is perfectly positioned to advance our Grid Solutions offering.

Authors: Marie-Antoinette Sailer, Céline Mahieux