Biblis A nuclear power station, which was mothballed in 2011 is being converted into a synchronous condenser in the first conversion of its type in Germany. A 14 MW medium-voltage startup converter  was set up for generator startup. This was  connected to a new 18.3 MVA transformer,  which subsequently transforms its output  voltage to the generator terminal voltage of  27 kV via a further 17 MVA transformer.  With a gas-insulated 30 kV medium voltage  switchgear, the new system was connected to the generator via the generator terminal lead.

It was thus possible to connect the generator from unit A to the grid as a synchronous condenser. This now regulates the reactive power from -400 up to +900 MVar.

Commissioned in 2012 at a cost of around €7 million, the plant regulated reactive power from -400 to +900 MVAr, which was made available to grid operator Amprion at times of low or high voltage. Initially, the agreement between Amprion and plant-owner RWE was for it to operate until the end of 2013, however, the contract was subsequently extended, and the plant ran until the end of 2018.

RWE is now intending to install gas turbines adjacent to the site to provide grid stabilisation services. The new units will have a maximum annual running time of 1500 hours, and will not be available to the open electricity market, only running at the request of the system operator to ensure grid stability.