FACTS: a transmission utility perspective

The arrival of FACTS technology has coincided with major restructuring of the electricity supply industry in the UK, and elsewhere. Deregulation of generation has increased requirements on the transmission system, shortened lead times and increased uncertainties for transmission planners. This paper describes how the UK NGC has successfully applied power electronics to meet these challenges, using thyristor SVCs as developed in the 1980s. Newer technologies may provide benefits in increasing power system capability and flexibility but identifying benefits and risks against uncertain backgrounds, and implementing the technologies to meet rapid changes in transmission requirements, are challenges for utilities and manufacturers.