Rowallan Power Station is fit to operate for another 30 years, with Hydro Tasmania announcing the completion of a two-year, $30 million refurbishment.
Now returned to full capacity, the new-and-improved station is more efficient, reliable and flexible. Upgrades include new online monitoring systems to reduce breakdowns and cutting-edge controls.
Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO, Erin van Maanen, said the 10.5MW Rowallan Power Station was a small but mighty part of Tasmania’s hydropower network.
“Commissioned in 1968, Rowallan Power Station is the first of eight power stations in the Mersey-Forth Scheme, which generates up to 290MW,” Ms van Maanen said.
“Water flows from Lake Rowallan through the Scheme, generating electricity multiple times from the same water. Every drop counts and contributes to Tasmania’s enviable renewable energy capacity.”
Hydro Tasmania Site Manager, Scott Tatsi, oversaw the refurbishment, which involved around 100 Hydro Tasmania staff working alongside 60 specialist contractors.
“We completely stripped down the machine and upgraded pretty much every component, including the spiral case, physical controls and electrical control panels. Some were original parts from the 1960s,” Mr Tatsi said.
“It’s very specialist work, so to have our apprentices working and learning alongside experienced professionals was a great collaboration. It was a very proud moment to see the station back up and running again, better than ever.”
Specialised turbine equipment came from Europe, Turkey and Romania, with Hydro Tasmania’s local Cambridge Workshop playing a significant role in manufacturing, refurbishment and testing.
Ms van Maanen said the works are part of Hydro Tasmania’s ongoing investment to maintain and modernise its infrastructure.
“We’re making sure our hydropower network is fit to continue providing clean energy for future generations.”
