Powerlink has recently published a ‘Project Specification Consultation Report’ (PSCR) to address the reliability of supply to the Nebo local area.
Nebo Substation was established in the late 1970s to be a major injection point and major 275kV switchyard in the state-wide transmission network, connecting North and South Queensland whilst providing bulk supplies to several key areas, including Mackay and Pioneer Valley. Two 132/11kV transformers and associated primary plant connect the Powerlink substation to the Ergon Energy (part of the Energy Queensland Group) network at Nebo supplying the local area.
The 132/11kV power transformers (Transformer 3 and Transformer 4) and associated 11kV primary plant are nearing the end of their technical lives, with an increasing risk of failure. The failure of a transformer or associated primary plant can result in an extensive replacement timeframe increasing the risk of loss of supply to the local area, and in extreme cases, could present a risk to the safety of personnel.
Planning studies have confirmed there is a long-term requirement to continue to supply the existing electricity services provided by Nebo Substation. Powerlink must therefore take action to avoid the increasing likelihood of unserved energy arising from failure of the ageing transformers and primary plant at Nebo, and ensure customers are provided with a reliable and safe supply of electricity.
The proposed preferred option that is considered to satisfy the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) involves the replacement of Transformers 3 and 4 and the associated 11kV primary plant by 2025.
The indicative capital cost of the RIT T project for the preferred option is $11.5 million in 2022/23 dollars.
In accordance with the requirements of the Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR 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 22 December 2023.
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