ANDRITZ to build synchronous condenser facilities to strengthen grid stability in Texas
The GE Vernova—ANDRITZ HYDRO Corp. consortium today announced award of an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the addition of two synchronous condensers to the LCRA Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC) project at the 345 kV Bakersfield substation in West Texas.
The project was identified and recommended by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees the state’s power grid, to enhance grid stability in West Texas region experiencing fast-rising energy demand and significant growth in renewable generation.
Synchronous condensers play a vital role in managing reactive power and voltage levels, helping strengthen the grid and ensuring efficient flow of electricity. They are expected to help manage the flow of electricity and prevent power outages by increasing the short-circuit strength, which is crucial for providing consistent and reliable power to homes and businesses.
“We are committed to supporting grid reliability in the ERCOT region of Texas,” said Kristian Koellner, LCRA executive vice president and chief operating officer, Transmission. “These synchronous condensers will bolster the reliability of the West Texas system, enhance its resilience to unexpected events and address challenges that may arise in real-time operations.”
As the consortium leader, GE Vernova is expected to deliver full EPC services to integrate two 175 MVAr synchronous condenser units from ANDRITZ including the controls, SCADA and protection systems. Each unit will feature a GE Prolec step-up transformer, along with high-voltage circuit breakers and disconnectors provided by GE Vernova. The project is expected to be delivered by mid-2027.
“Texas is at the forefront of an energy transformation—driven by rapid industrial growth, surging demand from AI and data centers, and the accelerated integration of renewables. GE Vernova is proud to partner on this critical project, delivering advanced electrification technologies that not only strengthen system reliability and stability, but also supports resource adequacy,” said Olivier Ruiz, Grid Systems Integration Leader for North America at GE Vernova
“At ANDRITZ, we are committed to delivering advanced synchronous condenser technology that enhances grid stability and reliability. We are pleased to collaborate with LCRA TSC and GE Vernova on this initiative, leveraging our expertise to enhance the long term resilience and stability of the power network as Texas navigates its evolving energy landscape,” said Daniel Carrier, CEO of ANDRITZ Hydropower North America
- End -
The ANDRITZ Synchronous Condenser - for a secure and stable grid
GE VERNOVA
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) is a purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world’s challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across 100+ countries around the world. Supported by the Company’s purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova and LinkedIn.
ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.
As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.
ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world's leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 489 gigawatts, it offers innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small hydropower to large-scale plants. State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.