Construction of one of the biggest and most sophisticated substations in the Southern Hemisphere has been completed, marking a huge milestone for Australia’s largest transmission project.
Transgrid and its EnergyConnect construction partner Elecnor Australia have completed the mammoth construction effort, with a multitude of workers spending millions of worker hours over three years delivering the world-class Buronga substation in south-western New South Wales.
The new substation will provide a major connection hub to bring more affordable and cleaner renewable energy to millions of consumers in three states.
The substation is 15ha in size – equivalent to 21 soccer fields – comprising 24,000m3 of concrete and sophisticated electrical equipment from around the world, including synchronous condensers, phase- shifting transformers, shunt reactors, step down transformers, power transformers and capacitor banks.
Transgrid Executive General Manager of Major Projects, Gordon Taylor, said that EnergyConnect is critical to improving the reliability and security of the National Electricity Market as coal-fired power stations retire, with interconnections to boost energy sharing between New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.
“The 900km interconnector will provide access to clean, affordable renewable energy to households and businesses in three states, putting downward pressure on energy bills and helping Australia meet its net-zero targets,” he said.
“The Buronga substation is a true feat in design, engineering, construction and commissioning and is the first in the world to boast five phase-shifting transformers running in parallel, providing improved load sharing, increased grid stability, enhanced transmission capacity and reduced congestion.
“All mechanical and electrical works have been completed at the substation without any major injuries – a testament to the safety-first culture and commitment of our teams.
“We reached the final milestone with the energisation of the last section of the Buronga substation, which will increase capacity from 150MW to 800MW following completion of the 540km eastern section of the project between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.”
Elecnor Australia’s EnergyConnect Project Director, Felipe Delgado, said the team are proud to have delivered this sophisticated and world-class substation at Buronga, New South Wales, which will direct and balance power flows between three Australian states.
“The scale and engineering complexity of this substation is unlike anything else in Australia. Working alongside our delivery partners across civil, structural, mechanical and electrical disciplines, we overcame engineering challenges to integrate highly specialised equipment from around the world including phase-shifting transformers, synchronous condensers, capacitor banks and shunt reactors,” Mr Delgado said.
“This remarkable and iconic project demonstrates what can be achieved through shared technical expertise, collaboration and skill.”
For more information on EnergyConnect visit transgrid.com.au/projects- innovation/energyconnect
