bnr-Jacksons Ferry Substation 765-kV SVC
  1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Projects
  4. Jacksons Ferry Substation 765-kV SVC

Jacksons Ferry Substation 765-kV SVC

We’re delivering groundbreaking voltage control technology to strengthen grid reliability and meet growing energy demand across Appalachia.

Location

  • Virginia, USA

Client

  • American Electric Power (project owner); Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (EPC contractor)

Project Status

  • Completed

Increasing energy demand and system stress across Appalachia created reliability concerns and overvoltage issues on American Electric Power’s (AEP’s) high-voltage network. 

These conditions threatened service continuity for the homes, businesses and industries that depended on consistent power. To solve this problem, AEP wanted to introduce advanced technology to stabilize voltage and strengthen the backbone of the regional grid.

Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (Mitsubishi), serving as an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for AEP, turned to us for specialized engineering support. Our expert team helped Mitsubishi install the nation’s first static VAR compensator (SVC) at a 765-kV substation, a milestone project designed to improve grid stability and reliability for AEP customers across Appalachia.

High voltage expertise

Our team brought deep experience in high-voltage design and SVC technology, ensuring seamless integration of this complex system into AEP’s existing infrastructure. The system features three +150 MVAR thyristor-switched capacitor branches and a +450 MVAR mechanically switched reactor bank, providing continuous compensation from -450 to +450 MVAR. This advanced configuration minimizes overvoltage conditions, stabilizes voltage during load fluctuations and supports the growing energy needs of communities across Appalachia.

We tailored grounding designs to AEP’s standards while addressing unique SVC mitigation requirements; engineered for high-fault current ratings on the low-voltage side of the SVC system; and facilitated safe integration with nearby 765-kV transmission lines.

Our impact

Jacksons Ferry Substation now hosts the first 765-kV SVC installation in the United States, signifying a transformative achievement for grid reliability. AEP now has a stronger and more resilient grid that empowers economic growth and enhances quality of life for thousands of customers.
Voltage
765 kV
MVAR SVC capacity
-450 to +450
Jacksons Ferry Substation now hosts the first 765-kV SVC installation in the United States.