Abstract: A support vector machine (SVM) approximate-based internal model control (IMC) strategy is presented for the steam valving control of synchronous generators. The proposed SVM IMC strategy includes two main parts: SVM approximate inverse controller and uncertainty compensation in the internal model structure. The SVM inverse controller is derived directly using an input-output approximation approach via Taylor expansion, and it is implemented through nonlinear system identification without further online training. Furthermore, a robustness filter is used for uncertainty compensation in the internal model structure. Simulations show the effectiveness of the SVM IMC strategy for the steam valving control.