Rigorous performance testing of the transformers for the $1.8 billion EnergyConnect is currently underway in South Korea.
The $1.8 billion EnergyConnect project will allow energy to be shared between New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, enabling the connection of a new renewable generation to support the transition to clean energy.
Transgrid and its construction partner, SecureEnergy, is building the 700km New South Wales section of the project from Wagga Wagga to the South Australian border, and a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.
A team from Transgrid and SecureEnergy has just returned from South Korea where subcontractor Hyosung carried out testing on the first of five Phase Shifting Transformers (PSTs) for EnergyConnect. The first PST passed the tests and will now be disassembled for the sea voyage to Australia and will arrive in the middle of 2023.
It is the first time Hyosung have designed this type of PST; a specialised type of transformer that typically controls the flow of active power on transmission networks.
Transgrid Project Director, Stephen Troughton, said, “These transformers are just one example of the equipment being manufactured for EnergyConnect, the biggest project we’ve ever undertaken and one of national significance.
“EnergyConnect is a project of firsts, and this is yet another – the first 330kV PST which will be installed in Australia, and it is great to see the project continuing to reach key milestones as construction continues at full steam.
“We’re building the energy superhighway that will benefit millions of Australians and lower power bills for homes and businesses while supporting the shift to renewable energy.”
After the testing is complete, the transformer will be transported by road to Transgrid’s new Buronga Substation in western New South Wales which will be the main hub to connect New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.
Crews have been working hard building the ‘bench’ for the 16ha substation which will include two synchronous condensers, five phase-shifting transformers, three power transformers and four shunt reactors.
When completed, it will be one of the biggest and most sophisticated substations in the southern hemisphere.
Feature image supplied by Transgrid.
