Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured two orders from POWERGRID for synchronous condenser projects at Barmer in Rajasthan and Kalyanpur in Gujarat. The projects involve four synchronous condenser units, each rated at +300 MVAr/-200 MVAr, marking BHEL’s entry into the indigenously designed synchronous condenser segment.
Under the orders, BHEL will undertake the complete design, engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection, testing and commissioning of the four units, along with their associated systems. The projects mark an important expansion of BHEL’s presence in the emerging synchronous condenser segment and India’s grid stability solutions market.
The orders represent a significant milestone for BHEL as it prepares to develop and deploy its first indigenously designed synchronous condenser solution. The initiative reflects the company’s focus on diversification, technological self-reliance and strengthening domestic engineering and manufacturing capabilities in line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
BHEL Plants to Supply Key Equipment
As part of the projects, BHEL will supply critical equipment and systems from its manufacturing facilities across the country.
The company’s Bhopal Plant will supply synchronous machines and auxiliaries, transformers and medium-voltage switchgear. The controls for the projects will be supplied by BHEL’s Electronics Division plant in Bengaluru.
The comprehensive project scope will cover multiple stages, from design and manufacturing to installation, testing and commissioning. BHEL will draw on its experience in large rotating electrical machines and power engineering to execute the projects.
Synchronous Condensers to Strengthen Grid Stability
Synchronous condensers play an important role in maintaining the stability and reliability of modern electricity networks. They provide dynamic reactive power support, voltage regulation, enhanced short-circuit strength and inertia support.
These capabilities are becoming increasingly important as India integrates larger quantities of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources into its electricity grid. Unlike conventional power generation systems, renewable energy sources connected through power electronic converters do not inherently provide the same rotating inertia support as traditional synchronous machines.
Synchronous condenser installations can therefore help strengthen grid performance, improve voltage stability and enhance the resilience of the electricity transmission network.
BHEL Expands Its Grid Technology Portfolio
With extensive experience in manufacturing large rotating electrical machines, engineering and power equipment, BHEL is positioning itself to address emerging requirements in India’s power transmission and renewable energy sectors.
The latest POWERGRID orders strengthen the company’s diversification into advanced grid stability solutions while creating opportunities for indigenous design and manufacturing.
BHEL has a long-standing presence in India’s power generation, transmission, transportation, defence and industrial sectors. Its manufacturing infrastructure and engineering capabilities continue to support the development of the country’s energy and infrastructure ecosystem.
The two synchronous condenser orders from POWERGRID mark an important step in BHEL’s expansion into advanced grid stability technologies. With four units planned across Rajasthan and Gujarat, the projects will also demonstrate India’s growing domestic capabilities in equipment required to support a renewable-energy-intensive power grid.
