Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Assessment Draft Report’ (PADR) to manage voltages in South East Queensland (SEQ).
Declining minimum flows and an increasing capacitive contribution from more energy efficient appliances and roof top solar systems in the South East Queensland (SEQ) area are increasing the likelihood of non-compliant over-voltage events. Continued reliance on the existing network switching strategy, to ensure ongoing compliance with the National Electricity Rules (the Rules), will result in increasingly onerous reconfigurations of the network that in turn will result in higher market costs, reduced system resilience and compromised system security.
The first step of the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) was the publication of the Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) in August 2021 which invited submissions on the credible options which could address the identified need. Two submissions have been received in response to the PSCR.
There have been a number of developments since publication of the PSCR that impact both the extent and timing of the voltage management issues which form the identified need for this RIT-T, as well as the scale of the potential solutions to address the identified need. This includes AEMO’s declaration of a Network Support and Control Ancillary Services gap in southern Queensland on 17 December 2021, after the commencement of this RIT-T. As a result the PADR includes revised and additional options and new scenarios that consider the reactive capability of future market-led developments in SEQ.
The proposed preferred option that is demonstrated to satisfy the RIT-T is the installation and commissioning of a 120MVAr bus reactor at Belmont Substation for 2023/24. Subsequent to 2023/24, Powerlink will seek to establish network support agreements with non-network option proponents in the SEQ area to meet projected shortfalls in reactive power absorption capability.
The estimated capital cost of the proposed RIT-T project is $13.3 million in 2022/23 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of this project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PADR has been made available on AEMO’s website. A copy of the PADR can be obtained from the Powerlink website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au
Submissions on the Project Assessment Draft Report are required by the closing date of Friday 9 December 2022.
Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:
Roger Smith
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2328