Gujarat Transmission Coporation to install STATCOM Power Grid
Gandhinagar, May 22
Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited, under the Energy and Petrochemicals Department of the Government of Gujarat, has installed a Static Synchronous Compensator, a state-of-the-art system that ensures voltage stability and smooth power flow across the grid. Often described as a "smart voltage stabiliser," it provides dynamic reactive power compensation and responds instantly to changing grid conditions.
Commissioned on March 5 2019, the +-120 MVAR STATCOM has been installed at the 220 kV Timbdi substation in Gir Somnath district. With this, Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Limited became the first State Transmission Utility in India to deploy STATCOM technology.
Gujarat's power network serves a wide and diverse load, with a significant share from agriculture, which puts continuous pressure on voltage stability and power quality. While capacitor banks and reactors provide fixed reactive power support, they often fall short under fluctuating demand conditions.
Therefore, dynamic reactive power management became essential to maintain stable voltage and ensure a reliable supply.
The 220 kV Timbdi substation faced greater challenges due to single-circuit links and the absence of nearby generation sources, leading to significant voltage instability. Under high agricultural demand, voltage fluctuated widely from as low as 190 kV to as high as 245 kV. It typically dropped to 190-200 kV during peak load periods and rose to 235-245 kV during low-demand periods, particularly in the monsoon season.
The STATCOM addresses grid challenges through fast and precise reactive power management. As a VSC-based system, it continuously monitors grid conditions and injects or absorbs reactive power to maintain a stable network.
Operating in real time, it stabilises voltage across varying loads, enables dynamic power factor control, and enhances system stability, while controlling over-voltages and preventing voltage collapse.
This has reduced stress on transmission infrastructure and lowered transmission losses, with voltage levels staying closer to the rated range, improving reliability, grid efficiency, and equipment protection.
The installation has benefited Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Amreli, and nearby regions by ensuring more stable voltage, especially during high agricultural demand, while supporting both rural and industrial needs with a reliable power supply.
Encouraged by the success at Timbdi, Gujarat is planning to expand STATCOM installations at key grid locations.
Under this initiative, +-125 MVAR systems are proposed at six existing 220 kV substations--Tharad, Deodar, Sagapara, Kheralu, Kukma, and Dhangadhra--and at the upcoming 400 kV Dholera-2 substation. This expansion reflects the state's continued focus on strengthening power infrastructure and ensuring reliable, high-quality electricity for all.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Gujarat leading the way in transmission tech. But I hope they also focus on distribution losses—many villages still face power cuts. Infrastructure is useless if last-mile connectivity is poor.
Impressive deployment! As an engineer, I appreciate the technical details. The voltage swing from 190 kV to 245 kV is huge—STATCOM was definitely needed. Plus, first STU in India to use this tech? That's a milestone worth celebrating.
Great initiative, but why did it take so long? Farmers in Gir Somnath have been suffering for years. Hope the planned expansion to Tharad and Deodar happens fast—no more voltage dips during monsoons please!
Smart voltage stabiliser indeed! This is exactly what we need in growing economies—reliable grid support for both rural and industrial demand. India's power sector is maturing nicely.
Happy to see our tax money used wisely. But we also need to address the root cause—reduce power theft and improve billing. Otherwise cheap electricity just gets wasted.
My uncle is a farmer in Amreli and he says the voltage has stabilised a lot since 2019. Thank you, Gujarat government
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