E-REDES assessing the value of STATCOM as an investment solution to improve low voltage network stability

The traditional approach to solving voltage unbalances in the low voltage (LV) grid has been predominantly reactive, usually identified when the planning team studied the network, conducted a new load analysis, or received a flag from the maintenance team or a client. However, the use of data from Smart Meters has enabled E-REDES to identify grid problems more accurately and efficiently, promoting a transition to a proactive approach. This shift allows for deeper network studies aimed at solving voltage unbalances, resulting in significant improvements in operational efficiency and the electrical system’s reliability, thus preparing the grid for future challenges related to the energy transition. Despite these advantages, current investment solutions for improving the distribution grid present considerable challenges in terms of costs and implementation time. Committed to innovation, quality, and safety in energy supply, E-REDES and EDP Innovation launched a pilot project in partnership with eleXsys, former participant in the FreeElectrons Program, to install a STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) in a live network. This project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of STATCOM in correcting voltage unbalances in the LV network, offering an efficient and innovative alternative that can result in significant cost savings and optimisation of financial resources for E-REDES.