Hydro Tasmania has announced a key milestone in the staged upgrade of the Tarraleah hydropower scheme, with the release of a construction tender for a new intake tower on Lake King William.
Designed by Entura, the 30m high concrete structure will house intake screens, a large steel gate, and a hydraulic hoist.
The upgrade forms part of broader redevelopment efforts to enhance the scheme’s capacity and flexibility.
The Tarraleah scheme, which has been generating clean energy since the 1930s, plays a crucial role in Tasmania’s renewable energy network.
Water is transported from Lake King William to the Tarraleah Power Station through a 30km system of canals, tunnels, and pipelines.
The scheme helps regulate water flow to six additional hydropower stations and accounts for approximately 6.5 per cent of Hydro Tasmania’s annual energy generation.
Entura has contributed expertise across geotechnical investigations, surveying, environmental assessments, water monitoring, and engineering design.
The team has also provided project management, contractor supervision, and site support to ensure the upgrades meet technical and environmental requirements.
According to Entura, one of the challenges has been adapting to dynamic geological conditions and Tasmania’s harsh central highlands weather.
Low temperatures have impacted concrete pouring and shotcrete application, requiring agile and resourceful solutions to maintain construction progress.
Entura has also implemented a Tasmania-first innovation with a low-strength ‘plastic’ concrete cut-off trench to protect deep excavations and facilitate future works.
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