NR Electric

NR Electric Co., Ltd. (China) was contracted by IPTO S.A. for the supply, design, installation and commissioning of a containerized 150 kV / 60 MVar STATCOM (static synchronous compensator) system at the "Heraklion III" substation in Crete, as part of the Crete–Peloponnese electrical interconnection (Phase I). The STATCOM provides continuous and fast-response dynamic voltage regulation and reactive power compensation for the Crete power system, enabling the stable integration of the new 150 kV AC interconnection with the Greek mainland transmission system. The STATCOM is the first installation of its kind in the Hellenic National Power Transmission System. NR Electric's scope covered the overall design, equipment supply, on-site installation, commissioning and full system testing of the containerized FACTS solution. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on logistics and on-site works, NR completed the electrification testing and commissioning according to plan. The 150 kV / 60 MVar STATCOM was officially put into operation on 20 April 2021 with the successful completion of the rated power operation test, in collaboration with HEDNO (the Greek distribution operator). It supports voltage stability across Crete's power system and is a key enabler of the eventual phase-out of older oil-fired local generation on the island.