Transgrid has recently published a Project Specification Consultation Report (PSCR) for maintaining compliance applicable to Ingleburn substation secondary systems.
Ingleburn substation forms part of the Greater Sydney network which supports the flow of energy between generation in Central West NSW and the southern suburbs of Sydney. The substation is a customer connection point supplying the Endeavour Energy’s 66 kV network in the area inclusive of Macquarie Fields and Minto.
Transgrid has identified that the secondary systems at Ingleburn substation have reached a condition that reflects the end of serviceable life. As it is superseded by new technology at the manufacturer level and the existing technology becomes obsolete, spare parts become scarce and the ability of any primary asset connected to the substation to reliably operate will be at risk.
Provision of redundant protection schemes to ensure the transmission system is adequately protected is a Network Performance Requirement under Schedule 5.1 of the National Electricity Rules (NER), therefore the condition issues affecting the secondary systems at Ingleburn substation must be addressed.
The Network Performance Requirements, set out in Schedule 5.1 of the NER, place an obligation on Transmission Network Service Providers (TNSPs) to provide redundant protection schemes to ensure the transmission system is adequately protected. Schedule 5.1.9(c) of the NER requires a TNSP to provide sufficient primary and back-up protection systems, including any communications facilities and breaker fail protection systems, to ensure that a fault of any type anywhere on its transmission system is automatically disconnected.
The proposed investment will enable Transgrid to continue to meet the standards for secondary systems availability set out in the NER, and to avoid the impacts of taking primary assets out of service. Consequently, it is considered a reliability corrective action under the RIT-T.
Transgrid has put forward for consideration three credible options that would meet the identified need from a technological and project delivery perspective. The in-situ replacement of all secondary systems at Ingleburn substation is the most economical and preferred option at this stage of the RIT-T process.
The estimated capital cost of this option is approximately $7.4 million. Routine operating and maintenance costs are approximately $3,000 per year.
The works will be undertaken between 2021/22 and 2022/23. Planning (including commencement of the RIT T) commenced in 2020/21 and is due to conclude in 2021/22. The detailed design will commence in 2021/22 with procurement and delivery of the identified assets planned to occur during 2021/22. All works will be completed by 2022/23. Necessary outages of relevant existing assets will be planned appropriately in order to complete the works with minimal impact on the network.
In accordance with the requirements of the National Electricity Rules, a summary of the PSCR is made available on the AEMO website. A copy of the PSCR can be obtained from Transgrid’s website or by emailing RIT-TConsultations@Transgrid.com.au.
Transgrid welcomes written submissions on materials contained in this PSCR. Submissions are due on 14 February 2022.