Gandhinagar: In a move to strengthen Gujarat’s power grid, the state government on Thursday announced plans to install Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) at seven additional key substations across the state. The announcement follows the successful deployment of Gujarat’s first STATCOM system at the Timbdi substation in Gir Somnath district.

According to a press release, ±125 MVAR STATCOM units will be installed at six existing 220 kV substations, namely Tharad, Deodar, Sagapara, Kheralu, Kukma and Dhrangadhra and the upcoming 400 kV Dholera-2 substation. The move is aimed at strengthening power infrastructure and ensuring reliable, high-quality electricity supply.

Gujarat’s first STATCOM in Gir Somnath

GETCO, under the state’s Department of Energy and Petrochemicals, commissioned Gujarat’s first ±120 MVAR STATCOM at the 220 kV Timbdi substation in Gir Somnath on March 5, 2019. With this, GETCO became the first state transmission utility in India to adopt STATCOM technology.

Known as a “Smart Voltage Stabilizer,” the system maintains voltage stability, ensures uninterrupted power flow and responds instantly to fluctuations in the grid.

Why STATCOM was needed

High electricity demand, particularly from the agricultural sector, has made voltage stability a challenge in Gujarat. At the Timbdi substation, a single-circuit transmission link and the absence of nearby power generation led to major voltage fluctuations, with levels ranging from 190 kV to 245 kV depending on demand.

STATCOM addresses this by continuously monitoring grid conditions and supplying or absorbing reactive power in real time. The system stabilises voltage, improves power factor, reduces transmission losses and protects equipment.

The technology has particularly benefited farmers and consumers in Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Amreli and surrounding regions by ensuring a more reliable power supply. DeshGujarat