The Saudi Energy (Saudi Electricity Company) continues its grid strengthening program under Phase 3, targeting additional BSPs with synchronous condenser installations. These projects involve the development of state-of-the-art synchronous condenser plants across multiple locations. The scope of work covers the complete design, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of fully functional synchronous condenser systems, including all associated auxiliary equipment.
Each plant will be integrated with existing 380 kV GIS substations, incorporating all required interfaces—civil, electrical, mechanical, control & protection, and telecommunications—to ensure seamless and reliable system integration.
Why Synchronous Condensers
The installation of synchronous condenser is to improve the voltage profile, frequency fluctuation support, system inertia and short circuit power. And further to enhance the system stability and reliability of KSA Power System. This is required for adequately integration of renewable energy sources (RES) integration to the Saudi Grid. Click here for details about Challenges in Renewable-Dominated Grids & Role of Synchronous Condensers.
Read more about Synchronous Condensers
- Role of Synchronous Condensers in Modern Power Systems (2025)
- Difference between Synchronous Condensers, STATCOMs, STATCOMs with BESS, and SVCs.
- Saudi Energy invite Bids for 380kV BSPs 2026
Synchronous Condenser Projects Phase III
Below are the projects with full technical details:
1. Installation of SC at MAWQAQ PV BSP
- SCC: 245 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +55 / -32 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 120 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 1
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 1 Synchronous Condenser Block
2. Installation of SC at NAMRIA WIND BSP
- SCC: 245 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +55 / -32 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 120 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 1
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 1 Synchronous Condenser Block
3. Installation of SC at HADEN 2 PV BSP
- SCC: 1156 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +220 / -100 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 500 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 3
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 2
- Block 2: 1
- Block 3: –
- Block 4: –
4. Installation of SC at KURMAH 2 WIND BSP
- SCC: 1156 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +220 / -100 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 500 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 3
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 2 Synchronous Condensers Block
- Block 2: 1 Synchronous Condenser Block
5. Installation of SC at AL QIRHA BSP
- SCC: 578 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +110 / -50 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 254 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 2
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 2 Synchronous Condensers Block
6. Installation of SC at AL ULA – SOUTH OLA BSP
- SCC: 578 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +110 / -50 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 254 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 2
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 2 Synchronous Condensers Block
7. Installation of SC at KURMAH 1 WIND BSP
- SCC: 578 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +110 / -50 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 127 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 2
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 2 Synchronous Condensers Block
8. Installation of SC at HISU BSP
- SCC: 2312 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +440 / -200 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 1016 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 6
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 4 Synchronous Condensers Block
- Block 2: 2 Synchronous Condensers Block
9. Installation of SC at MOWAIH 2 PV BSP
- SCC: 1800 MVA
- Reactive Power (Q): +330 / -150 MVAR
- Inertia Requirement: 750 MWs
- SC Unit Rating: 86 MVAR
- Number of SC Units: 5
Modular Layout:
- Block 1: 4 Synchronous Condensers Block
- Block 2: 1 Synchronous Condenser Block