Hydro Tasmania has announced a $1.6 billion investment plan over the next decade to upgrade and modernise its existing hydropower network.
The ambitious project aims to enhance the capacity, reliability, and flexibility of Tasmania’s hydroelectric infrastructure.
CEO Ian Brooksbank outlined the forward plan for capital works, which includes major refurbishments across 10 power stations and five dams.
“These works will extend the operational life of our power stations, improving capacity, reliability and flexibility,” he said.
“That means we’ll get more energy out of every drop of water, and we’ll be more responsive to fluctuations in demand.
“This will help us to support wind and other renewables in a modern energy system.”
The investment is part of a larger strategy to adapt Tasmania’s energy infrastructure to modern needs.
It complements existing plans to redevelop the Tarraleah Hydropower Scheme and construct pumped hydro facilities at Lake Cethana.
Brooksbank highlighted the importance of this investment.
“We must invest in our infrastructure for a new era of Tasmanian hydropower that will help meet the state’s energy demands now and in the future.”
Notably, major upgrades are already underway at the Gordon and Poatina Power Stations, the largest in Hydro Tasmania’s network with capacities of 432 megawatt (MW) and 360MW respectively.
These complex operations involve significant engineering and logistical challenges, including a recent 173-tonne stator lift at the Gordon Power Station.
Nick Duigan, Minister for Energy and Renewables, welcomed the announcement.
“The Tasmanian Hydro had been cornerstone of Tasmania’s economic growth over the past century,” Minister Duigan said.
“With Tasmanian energy consumption predicted to continue to grow, we can’t afford to reduce our hydro generator fleet. We need it well maintained, while being safe and reliable to ensure our state has the energy it requires into the future.
“That is why this announcement to invest in the backbone of the state’s energy generation is important. This 10-year investment will ensure that Tasmanian’s Hydro generation continues to drive the state’s economy and jobs into the future.”
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