Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) 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.
The proposed preferred option that is considered to satisfy the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) involves the installation of a 150MVar 300kV bus reactor at Broadsound Substation by June 2023 to address the identified need.
The indicative capital cost of the RIT‑T project for the preferred option is $9.63 million in 2020/21 prices.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ can be obtained from the Powerlink website on the RIT-T Consultations page or by emailing networkassessments@powerlink.com.au.
Submissions on the PSCR are required by the closing date of 8 January 2021.
Any enquiries in the first instance should be directed to:
Sarah Huang
Acting Manager Network and Alternate Solutions
Powerlink Queensland
PO Box 1193
VIRGINIA, QLD 4014
Tel: (+617) 3860 2328