Powerlink has recently published a 'Project Assessment Conclusions Report' (PACR) 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. The two 80MVA transformers At Blackwater Substation were installed in 1978 and have significant condition and performance issues indicating that they are reaching the end of their technical service lives.
In May 2019 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 submissions received in response to the PSCR, which closed in August 2019. 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 2: replacement of 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 2018/2019 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of this option.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PACR has been made available on AEMO’s website.
- PACR Maintain reliability of supply in Blackwater (232 KB, pdf)
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
Ph: (+617) 3860 2328