Ansaldo Energia Upgrades AE94.3A Gas Turbine at Thisvi Power Plant

Enerwave S.A., a member of HELLENiQ ENERGY, awarded Ansaldo Energia a contract to install a comprehensive gas turbine upgrade for the Thisvi combined-cycle power plant in Greece. The enhancement applies to Thisvi’s AE94.3A gas turbine, with installation planned for March 2027. It will increase power output, overall efficiency, and operational flexibility, while reducing CO₂ emissions. The company also renewed its previous long-term service agreement, now providing technical support for another 14 years.

“We are convinced that Ansaldo Energia’s upgrades over the Thisvi power plant will substantially increase the unit’s overall performance, assisting Enerwave in adding more value on the Greek energy system,” said Antonis Argyrakis, Power Generation Director of Enerwave S.A.

In addition to improving the plant’s power output and overall efficiency, the upgrade will reduce fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions during operation. Also, the ramp rate will be increased, providing rapid response to grid fluctuations caused by the growing integration of intermittent renewable energy.

“This project once again demonstrates how Ansaldo Energia’s upgrades can enhance the value of existing assets,” said Reto Furrer, Executive Vice President of Thermal Service, Ansaldo Energia. “The Thisvi power plant will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Greek electricity system and to ensure long term energy security. We are grateful to Enerwave for the continued trust placed in our know-how and for the longstanding partnership that will continue in the years ahead.”

Synchronous Condenser

Per contract with TSK UK, Ansaldo Energia will deliver one synchronous condenser and auxiliary components for Statkraft’s Necton Greener Grid Park: a grid stability project under construction in Norfolk, United Kingdom. The TRY-L63 flywheel FW 19-63 synchronous condenser weighs 157 tons at 10.7 meters in length. Additionally, the agreement includes commissioning and training for the facility’s operating personnel.

In 2022, the Necton Greener Grid Park project was awarded a contract by the National Energy System Operator under its Stability Pathfinder Program. The project is designed to bolster Great Britain’s electricity grid as variable renewable energy sources play an increasingly significant role in its energy landscape.

Synchronous condensers provide critical grid services like voltage regulation, reactive power, short-circuit power, and inertia. These services are becoming more important as renewable generation and high-voltage direct-current connections rapidly expand. The technology also offers fast dynamic response, providing a proven and robust solution to ensure grid reliability and energy security under intermittent conditions.

Birr Test Facility

In late January 2026, in an effort to support Switzerland’s electricity security, Ansaldo Energia announced that its Birr test facility will operate as a strategic reserve power source during critical, high-demand winter periods. The facility, powered by a GT26 gas turbine, will enter reserve operation in February 2027 with a 250-MW power output.

The additional reserve capacity will safeguard Switzerland’s power supply until new dedicated reserve plants become fully operational in the future. Ansaldo Energia’s Birr test facility, prior to its current designation, validated advanced gas turbine technologies and drove performance, emissions, and fuel flexibility improvements.