Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Assessment Conclusions Report’ (PACR) to maintain reliability of supply at Kamerunga Substation.
Located approximately 10 kilometres north-west of Cairns, Kamerunga Substation, established in 1976, is a major injection point into the Ergon Energy distribution network. Both the primary plant and secondary systems at Kamerunga Substation are nearing the end of their technical service lives with identified condition and obsolescence issues. The substation is also susceptible to major flooding events which could result in damage to equipment leading to loss of supply.
In accordance with the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T), Powerlink published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) in September 2018, followed by the publication of the Project Assessment Draft Report (PADR) in April 2019. The PADR identified the preferred option; replacement of Kamerunga’s current primary plant, installation of additional circuit breakers for the Woree feeders and the full replacement of all secondary systems in a new building by October 2022.
The outcomes of the economic analysis contained in the PACR remain unchanged from those published in the PADR. Consequently, the draft recommendation to implement the preferred option has been adopted without change as the final recommendation in the PACR.
The RIT-T project involves replacing Kamerunga’s current primary plant with new AIS equipment, installation of additional circuit breakers for the Woree feeders and the full replacement of all secondary systems in a new building by October 2022. All primary plant and secondary systems are to be located above the 1 in 200 year flood level. The estimated capital cost of the project is $23.75 million in 2018/19 prices. Powerlink is the proponent of the proposed 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