Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) to maintain reliability of supply in the Blackwater area.
Blackwater Substation, established in 1969 and located approximately 68km east of Emerald, plays a critical role in the provision of electricity to customers in Queensland’s Central West area, providing supply to residential, mining and rail traction loads.
Planning studies have confirmed there is a long-term requirement to continue to supply the existing electricity services provided by Blackwater supporting the diverse range of customer needs in the area.
The two 80MVA transformers were installed in 1978, and at over 40 years of age have significant condition and performance issues indicating that they are reaching the end of their technical service lives.
The proposed preferred option that is considered to satisfy the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) involves replacing the two 132/66/11kV 80 MVA transformers with one 132/66/11 kV 160MVA transformer by June 2022.
The indicative capital cost of the RIT T project for the preferred option is $6.16 million in 2018/19 prices.
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 are required by the closing date of 27 August 2019.
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