GE Digital Energy has announced that in order to support the public's demand for wind energy, it is providing a synchronous condenser technology for First Wind's Oakfield wind farm in northern Maine.
While the integration of wind energy continues to have broad public policy support, GE explains, consumers are playing a larger role to ensure their electricity provider is using higher levels of renewable power to meet their clean energy expectations.
‘The Oakfield project is moving forward, bringing economic development to Aroostook County and will soon be delivering renewable power to New England homes,’ comments Michael Alvarez, president of First Wind.
The wind farm, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2015, is expected to generate 148 MW of power.
‘We have worked closely with Reed & Reed Inc., our [balance-of-plant] contractor, and GE's team on this, and they've provided us custom engineering analysis and technology solutions to build a power network that conforms to the region's unique requirements and optimizes the grid's existing infrastructure,’ Alvarez adds.
Synchronous condensers, GE says, increase the grid's strength and improve the voltage stability – allowing a wind turbine to operate in an otherwise weak grid.
‘To support the continued success of wind and solar power, GE is providing the renewable industry with electrical solutions so that the grid is resilient enough to anticipate and withstand power fluctuations, and recover from damage incurred during storms and other major events,’ says Bob Turko, general manager of GE Digital Energy.
