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Electrification

GE Vernova to provide grid-stabilizing tech for 50Hertz’s renewable energy push in Germany

8 min read
  • GE Vernova secures a contract with 50Hertz Transmission GmbH to deliver advanced STATCOM technology, supporting Germany's transition to a renewable energy future

  • The 300 Mvar FACTSFLEX GFM solution, with Grid Forming Control, will enhance grid stability and resilience as Germany integrates more renewable energy sources

  • STATCOM units will be deployed at key substations in Germany, further strengthening the country’s electrical infrastructure and supporting its ambitious Energiewende goals

BERLIN, GERMANY (Dec 05, 2024) – GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) today announced it has secured a contract from 50Hertz Transmission GmbH, one of Germany’s four transmission system operators, to provide advanced grid-stabilizing technology with an aim to enhance the reliability of Germany’s electrical power grid as it integrates more renewable energy sources.

As part of this contract, GE Vernova will deliver its 300 Mvar FACTSFLEX GFM solution, a Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) solution with Grid Forming Control (GFM). This advanced STATCOM technology provides essential support for maintaining the stability of the power system, especially as variable energy sources like wind and solar are added to the grid. Supported by Grid Forming Control software, this solution is designed to automatically adapt to fluctuations in the grid voltage, keeping the grid stable. The solution will also include transformers, circuit breakers, and protection and control equipment to provide a fully integrated and reliable system.

The STATCOM units are planned to be designed and manufactured at GE Vernova’s grid solutions facilities in Dresden (Germany) and Tampere (Finland), with additional components, including valves, supplied from Stafford (UK) and transformers from Mönchengladbach (Germany). Two STATCOM units will be deployed at 50Hertz’s substation at Siedenbrünzow in Mecklenburg Western-Pomerania and one STATCOM unit at the Röhrsdorf substation in Saxony. 50Hertz operates the electricity transmission system in the north and east of Germany, which it expands as needed for the energy transition. More than 77 substations and switching stations are part of its grid infrastructure. 50Hertz is part of the Belgian-German Elia Group.

Dr. Dirk Biermann, Chief Operating Officer (COO) 50Hertz, said: “STATCOM solutions are a necessary and important element of the energy transition. They provide continuously variable reactive power in response to voltage variations and allow us to strengthen the resilience of our grid as we move forward with renewable energy integration. STATCOM technology supports stabilizing the power grids in an energy system with more and more fluctuating renewable energies and less power plants based on fossil fuels.”

Johan Bindele, Business Leader at GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business, added, “Our work with 50Hertz demonstrates GE Vernova’s commitment to supporting Germany’s energy transition with high-quality, reliable technology. With our STATCOM solution and Grid Forming Control, we are bringing advanced solutions that help keep Germany’s grid stable as the country moves toward a renewable future. GE Vernova is at the forefront of electrification, dedicated to empowering a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.”

Why STATCOM Technology is Essential for Energy Transition

A STATCOM system acts as a critical stabilizer for the electrical grid, dynamically managing reactive power flow to prevent potential disruptions. As Germany’s renewable energy generation increases, this technology is critical in stabilizing fluctuating energy inputs to achieve uninterrupted power for households and businesses. STATCOM is a part of a broader Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) framework, which includes advanced equipment designed to enhance grid flexibility and stability. Without solutions like STATCOM, the grid could face challenges such as voltage instability and power disruptions, particularly as it accommodates variable renewable sources.

By actively responding to grid conditions, GE Vernova’s FACTSFLEX GFM is designed to support the adaptability and resilience needed to meet the demands of Germany’s ambitious energy transition. This solution represents an advanced approach to managing grid balance, providing a smoother transition to a renewable-powered future.

Supporting Germany’s Energy Transition Goals

Germany’s commitment to its energy transition, or Energiewende, is one of the world’s most ambitious. With the goal of sourcing 80% of its energy from renewables by 2030, Germany requires a robust and reliable grid infrastructure to meet the new electrification demands. Projects like these are instrumental in supporting the country’s vision for a lower-carbon, reliable energy future, and GE Vernova is proud to contribute to this mission.

Expanding Local Expertise in High-Voltage Technology

To further support Germany’s energy transition, GE Vernova recently inaugurated its HVDC Competence Center in Berlin, strengthening local expertise and resources for high-voltage technology. This center enhances GE Vernova’s capacity to address the needs of European grid operators, providing innovative, locally driven solutions for complex power challenges.

-ENDS-

 

Forward Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements address GE Vernova's expected future business and financial performance, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “preliminary,” or “range.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy.

About 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.

GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business electrifies the world with advanced grid technologies and systems, enabling power transmission and distribution from the point of generation to point of consumption, and supporting a decarbonized and secured energy transition.

© 2024 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
GE and the GE Monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company used under trademark license.

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Anshul Madaan
GE Vernova | Media Relations, Electrification