Sungrow has announced the successful grid connection and completion of full acceptance testing for the Cambodia EDC Kandal Stueng Station (GS79) project, a 108.4 MW/215.6 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Takmao, Kandal Province. The project deploys grid-forming technology in a large-scale utility application, supporting grid stability, black-start capability and coordination with hydroelectric and thermal power generation.
Grid-forming capabilities support multiple grid-restoration functions
The project plays an important role in supporting voltage and frequency stability at a key point in Cambodia’s central power grid, including transmission corridors that import electricity from Vietnam. Its grid-forming capabilities were put through a series of demanding system-restoration scenarios, demonstrating how energy storage can take on a more active role in supporting the power system.
Key highlights include:
Large-scale black start from zero voltage: 516 grid-forming PCS units successfully energized the entire plant from zero voltage, establishing stable voltage and frequency across the system.
Restoration of a 240 km transmission network: The system supported the energization of approximately 240 km of transmission lines and five substations, while maintaining stable operation as the network was progressively restored.
Support for multiple generation sources: The system supported the start-up and synchronization of the 60 MW Kamchay Hydropower Plant, before the restored network was operated together with the 135 MW CIIDG coal-fired power plant, energy storage and loads.
Stable operation under challenging grid conditions: During restoration, the system remained stable through five transformer energization events, including a transformer rated at up to 100 MVA. It also maintained stability when synchronizing different power sources under a phase-angle difference of up to 15 degrees, demonstrating its ability to handle challenging conditions during system recovery.
Extended islanded operation: The system operated independently for 3.5 hours, demonstrating that the energy storage system could continue supporting the local network even when separated from the main grid.
Seamless transitions: The project completed three transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation, with voltage deviation kept below 2% and transient frequency fluctuation within 0.15 Hz during grid separation.
“This project demonstrates that the value of grid-forming energy storage goes far beyond storing electricity.When a power system faces disturbances or loses normal grid support, grid-forming technology can help establish and maintain stable voltage and frequency, support system restoration and keep the grid operating reliably,” said Michael Ruan, Regional Director of Sungrow Southeast Asia and South Asia. “Through projects like this, Sungrow is helping turn energy storage into a more active grid-support asset and bringing proven grid-forming capabilities to the evolving power systems of Southeast Asia.”
Reducing Technical Risk and Ensuring Timely Delivery
Faced with strict test protocols, complex power system scenarios, a compressed construction schedule and rainy‑season working conditions with ambient temperature up to 40°C, Sungrow’s cross‑functional team covering pre-sales, on‑site delivery and R&D collaborated closely to deliver high‑quality project outcomes:
20-day commissioning and testing: The on‑site team worked relentlessly under hot and humid conditions for two consecutive months. The team wrapped up hot commissioning plus three rounds of performance tests within 20 days to guarantee timely grid‑connection.
End‑to‑End Service Solution: Sungrow provides full‑lifecycle and one‑stop services spanning integrated design of storage and monitoring systems, EPC‑related support, equipment design, commissioning and O&M services, enabling the customer to fulfill customized grid‑level requirements with reduced management overhead.
As Southeast Asia advances its energy transition, Sungrow will continue to bring proven energy storage technologies and solutions to the region, helping customers build more reliable and sustainable power infrastructure.
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