Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Assessment Conclusions Report’ (PACR) to address the secondary systems condition risks at Baralaba Substation.
Baralaba Substation is located in central Queensland, approximately six kilometres south-east of the Baralaba township, and forms part of the network that provides electricity supply for Central Queensland and the surrounding local area. Powerlink has identified that several secondary systems at Baralaba Substation are nearing the end of technical service life and are facing obsolescence with manufacturer support and spares no longer available.
In March 2018 Powerlink published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) identifying the proposed preferred option and claiming exemption from producing a ‘Project Assessment Draft Report’ as allowed for under NER Clause 5.16.4(z1). There were no submissions received in response to the PSCR which closed in June 2018. 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 replacing all secondary systems at Baralaba Substation with new secondary systems using a modular prefabricated building by December 2020. The estimated capital cost is $7.79 million in 2017/18 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of this network project.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PACR has been made available on AEMO’s website. A copy of the PACR 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:
Roger Smith
Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2328