Transgrid has recently published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for maintaining reliable supply to North West Sydney (Vineyard Precinct).
The Vineyard Precinct is part of the North West Priority Growth Area, an area identified by the NSW Government for new development. Stage 1 of the Vineyard area was rezoned in December 2017 and essential infrastructure such as roads, sewage and distribution infrastructure (provided by Endeavour Energy) has been delivered. Vineyard Precinct is now growing rapidly in line with the Stage 1 growth targets of 2,300 new homes and 7,000 residents.
Our power system studies show that this new development is resulting in rapid load growth to the area supplied by Transgrid’s Vineyard 330/132 kV Bulk Supply Point (BSP). This load growth is forecast to cause the reactive margin at Vineyard BSP to drop to below one percent of the maximum fault level at the Vineyard 330 kV and 132 kV busbars.
Schedule 5.1.8 of the National Electricity Rules (NER) requires that the reactive margin (expressed as a capacitive reactive power (in MVAr)) must not be less than one percent of the maximum fault level (in MVA) at the connection point. The present network is unable to achieve this reactive margin in the future based on the latest demand forecasts. Shedding of load will be required to maintain this reactive margin at times of higher loads.
The identified need for this RIT-T is to maintain reliable supply in North West Sydney by managing voltage stability constraints which are forecast to arise due to rapid demand growth. If the constraints associated with load growth in North West Sydney are unresolved, it could result in the interruption of a significant amount of electricity supply.
In the PSCR Transgrid presented two credible network options that would meet the identified need from a technical, commercial, and project delivery perspective. Option 1 is centred on a loop-in from Line 26 to Vineyard BSP and has an estimated capital cost of $44.5 million ($2023-24) +/- 25 per cent. Option 2 is focused on the installation of shunt capacitors at Vineyard BSP and a loop-in from Line 26 at a later date. and has an estimated capital cost of $86.90 million ($2023-24) +/- 25 per cent. Option 1 is currently the preferred option.
Transgrid welcomes written submissions on materials contained in this PSCR. Submissions are particularly sought on the credible options presented and from potential proponents of non-network options that could meet the technical requirements set out in this PSCR. Submissions are due on 3rd of June 2025.
In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing regulatory.consultation@transgrid.com.au