Following World Energy Day on May 29, and with World Environment Day approaching, this moment invites an important reflection: the energy transition is not only about expanding renewable sources – it is also about ensuring that electricity reaches society in a stable, safe and reliable way.
Electricity is fundamental to modern life, supporting everything from water supply and healthcare to industrial production, digital infrastructure and mobility. As demand grows, the challenge goes beyond generation: it is about maintaining the security and reliability of power systems.
In this context, hydropower continues to play a strategic role globally. Beyond being a renewable and low-carbon source, it provides something increasingly critical in modern systems: stability.
As intermittent renewables such as solar and wind expand, the need for technologies that ensure grid balance becomes more urgent. This transformation requires more resilient infrastructure, capable of responding to fluctuations in frequency and voltage.
Synchronous condensers are gaining prominence in this scenario. Although not widely known outside the sector, they are essential to modern grids. Unlike static solutions, they provide both reactive power and physical inertia, helping prevent blackouts and ensuring system reliability during disturbances.
They also deliver high short-circuit power, which is essential for the proper functioning of grid protection systems – a capability that purely static solutions cannot match.
With more than 150 years of experience in power generation, Voith has developed and installed thousands of electrical machines worldwide, combining expertise in grid stability, electromechanical engineering and systems integration. Its synchronous condensers provide high inertia, low losses and high reliability for critical applications.
Today, the energy transition must go hand in hand with system stability. Producing clean energy is not enough – it must be delivered with quality, reliability and security.
The future of energy will be renewable, digital and decentralised. But it will also need to be stable – and this stability will depend on technologies that combine innovation, engineering and operational safety.
Authors:
Thomas Hildinger, Generator Technology and Materials Expert , Voith Hydro
Humberto Gissoni, Head of Technology , Voith Hydro
