After two years of work, a $22 million upgrade to the 50-year-old Moranbah substation is complete and ready to keep powering local mines and communities into the future.
Queensland Energy Minister, Dr Anthony Lynham, said the upgrade had finished, securing a critical component of the region’s electricity transmission supply well into the future.
“This is an investment into a safe and reliable electricity supply for local communities, and the jobs and business opportunities generated by the Bowen Basin coal mines,” Dr Lynham said.
“After serving the community for close to 50 years, the substation required an upgrade to extend its life and ensure it continues to provide into the future.”
The upgrade supported 30 jobs and prepares the transmission network to meet the future energy needs of the region and its strong industry base.
Government-owned Powerlink installed two new transformers and a capacitor bank, and also decommissioned a third transformer at the site.
Powerlink Chief Executive, Merryn York, said that extending the life of Moranbah Substation was critical to ensuring reliability of supply in Central Queensland.
“Upgrade projects such as these are a cost-effective solution to safeguard network reliability and avoid or delay the need to build new infrastructure,” Ms York said.
“The project had its challenges due to restricted site access and tight electrical clearances, requiring our team to meticulously plan the delivery and installation of equipment.”
