New tech is needed to smooth Australia’s energy transition.

South Australia's renewable energy transition faces a critical challenge: maintaining system strength and stability as conventional power plants are phased out. While renewable sources like solar panels and wind turbines follow the grid, they lack the physical properties that provide system strength, such as inertia. 

To address this, technologies like synchronous condensers, which replicate the properties of fossil fuel plants without generating electricity, are being utilised.

The Australian Energy Market Operator suggests that up to 40 synchronous condensers may be needed for a 100 per cent renewable energy scenario. Grid-forming inverters are also considered long-term solutions to maintain stability. 

South Australia, a frontrunner in the energy transition, already relies on synchronous condensers due to its high renewable energy penetration.

More details are available here.