Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Assessment Conclusions Report’ (PACR) to address the issue of managing voltages on the HV network in Central Queensland.
The progressive displacement of traditional generation in Central Queensland with increasing amounts of large scale renewable generation in the North, coupled with a reduction in minimum daytime demand due to the uptake of small scale rooftop PV systems, has led to an increase in the reactive charging of 275kV lines in the Central Queensland area. This has resulted in a growing potential for sustained over-voltage events.
The Rules specify allowable over-voltage limits and require Powerlink to take action to ensure these limits are not exceeded in order to maintain the power system in a secure state.
In October 2020 Powerlink published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) identifying the proposed preferred option to address the risks to supply and claiming exemption from producing a ‘Project Assessment Draft Report’ as allowed for under NER Clause 5.16.4(z1).
There were no formal submissions received in response to the PSCR, which closed in January 2021. 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 implementation of Option 1; the installation of a bus reactor at Broadsound Substation by June 2023. The indicative capital cost of this option is $9.63 million in 2020/21 prices. Under Option 1, initial design work will commence in early-2021, with all work completed by June 2023. Powerlink is the proponent of this network project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PACR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the ‘Project Assessment Conclusions Report’ can be obtained from the Powerlink website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:
Glen Titman
A/g Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2328