Hydro Tasmania has begun upgrade works on its Poatina power station to make the 61-year-old asset better suited to the variability of today’s National Electricity Market.
This stage will focus on the second turbine as part of a $200 million investment over the next decade to modernise the station’s six turbines.
The project includes electrical and mechanical refurbishments, as well as upgrades to the station’s Pelton turbines using newer models supplied by Austrian company Andritz. Additional components are being sourced from Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
Officially opened in 1965, Poatina power station is Hydro Tasmania’s second-largest hydropower station, with a generating capacity of 360MW. Located in a cavern 150m underground, the station uses water flowing from Yingina/Great Lake down the Great Western Tiers.
Longer run time
Hydro Tasmania chief executive officer Rachel Watson said the works represented the largest upgrade to Poatina since it began operation.
“Technology has advanced a lot in 60 years. New materials and technology will deliver more efficient and adaptable machines for Poatina,” Watson said.
“The new turbine runners will use less water to produce the same amount of energy, helping us to keep more water in our storages. We’re expecting to get about 20 years of runtime from the new runners without having to do any heavy maintenance.”
Turbine runners previously required reconditioning every six months. The original turbines were also designed for more static operating conditions, while the upgraded machines are intended to better respond to changing energy market demands.
“The new turbines have been built for the new market. They’re fast and adaptable, which gives us much more flexibility in operating our fleet,” Watson said.
The station’s control system will also be upgraded to provide real-time performance data to support future maintenance planning.
“The brain – how the machine is controlled – is completely different, with a new electronic system that controls the machine and feeds back information on its condition,” Watson said.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting arm Entura has supported the project through grid studies, factory acceptance testing and engineering services related to the design and refurbishment works.
Hydro Tasmania is also carrying out the removal and installation of upgraded components, including the station’s 130-tonne rotor.
The upgrade of the second turbine is expected to be completed in April 2027.
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