Impact of the new Grid Codes on the performance of central generation’s generators

New Grid-codes have been developed by the ENTSO-E, requiring increased flexibility from existing large power plants with the aim of allowing greater integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). This paper firstly addresses the evolution of the operating conditions during the past thirteen years from 2008 to 2020 for large power plants, with more reactive power absorbed at the Delivery Point. Secondly, it describes the impact of these new operating conditions on the overheating and vibrations of two 600 MW generators of a thermal power plant located in the western part of France, followed-up through a monitoring system named DIIRECT for two years. The maximal amplitudes of those stresses are presented considering the operating conditions involved. Finally, the strategy for the future is also discussed, in order to minimize the loss of life of central generation’s large equipment.