Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Assessment Conclusions Report’ (PACR) to maintain reliability of supply at the Townsville South Substation.
Located approximately 11 kilometres south east of the Townsville CBD, Townsville South Substation is a major injection point into the Ergon Energy distribution network for southern and eastern Townsville, as well as a transfer point for enabling the flow of electricity between Clare to the south and Townsville to the north. Planning studies have confirmed there is an enduring need to maintain the supply of electricity in the Townsville area. At over 40 years of age, much of the substation’s primary plant is reaching the end of its technical service life and is no longer supported by the manufacturer, with few spares available.
In October 2018 Powerlink published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) identifying the proposed preferred option to address the risks and claiming exemption from producing a ‘Project Assessment Draft Report’ as allowed for under NER Clause 5.16.4(z1). There were no submissions received in response to the PSCR which closed in January 2019. As a result, no additional credible options that could deliver a material market benefit have been identified and the outcomes of the economic analysis contained in the PACR remain unchanged from those published in the PSCR.
The PACR recommends a staged replacement of selected primary plant using live tank circuit breakers. The RIT-T project involves the installation and commissioning of new plant by December 2022 and has an estimated capital cost of $4.94 million in 2018/19 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of this network project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PACR has been made available on AEMO’s website. A copy of the PACR can be obtained from the Powerlink Website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Any enquiries should be directed to:
Roger Smith
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2328