Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) to address the secondary systems condition risks in the Gladstone South area.
Gladstone South Substation, located approximately 5km southeast of the Gladstone CBD, was established in the early 1960s as a 132kV injection point for the 66kV regional distribution network owned by Ergon Energy (part of the Energy Queensland Group). A second interconnected 132kV substation was established on an adjacent site in 2002 to meet a growing demand for electricity in the local area. The QAL West Substation, also established in 2002, is one of three injection points for the Queensland Aluminium (QAL) refinery in Gladstone.
Planning studies have confirmed there is a long-term requirement to continue to supply the existing electricity services provided by Gladstone South and QAL West Substations to support a diverse range of customer needs in the area.
Commissioned almost 20 years ago, most of the secondary systems at Gladstone South and QAL Substations are reaching the end of their technical service lives, and are no longer supported by the manufacturer, with limited spares available.
The proposed preferred option that is considered to satisfy the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) involves the full replacement of all secondary systems at both Gladstone South and QAL Substations by April 2024.
The indicative capital cost of the RIT‑T project for the preferred option is $23.8 million in 2019/20 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of this network option.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ can be obtained from the Powerlink website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Submissions on the PSCR close on Friday, 22 May 2020.
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