AusNet has diverted an existing energised 500kV powerline into a terminal station while live, marking an Australian first.
The utility completed the groundbreaking engineering works by performing the live electricity transfer from an existing transmission line into the Mortlake Terminal Station.
AusNet Executive General Manager Transmission, Liz Ryan, said AusNet is pleased to have safely completed the live powerline transfer and is looking at expanding this type of work across the transmission network.
While these practices have been developed over many years in the US, it is an innovative and leading-edge approach to this type of work in the Australian transmission landscape.
“As the energy transition accelerates, we have been investing in new methodologies to enhance our operations and reduce the impact of planned outages on the community,” Ms Ryan said.
“Based on the success of the live line work, AusNet will investigate further opportunities to expand this into our operational plans.
“If we are able to do more live line work, this will help enable us to accelerate our works program significantly.”
A crew of 30 people completed the works, with specialised resources and equipment. Four highly skilled live line workers brought in from the US and several AusNet contractors are in the process of being trained to undertake this work in the future.
Previously, the existing transmission line connected between the Haunted Gully Terminal station to Tarrone Terminal station, with the transmission line running past the existing Mortlake Terminal Station.
In addition to the live powerline transfer, the Mortlake Terminal Station also has undergone an upgrade to construct additional bays which will enhance the network capabilities of the site and improve reliability for the region.
The Mortlake Terminal Station upgrades are expected to be completed by August 2025.
AusNet said the project is crucial for the Victorian network, as it releases new capacity and reduces curtailment, enabling up to 1.5GW of additional renewable energy within the region. It is part of network upgrades to modernise and improve the grid, initiated by the Victorian Government’s Renewable Development Plan, which will support the state’s transition to renewable energy.
Mortlake is located in regional Victoria’s Moyne Shire and is a critical location for Victoria’s energy transition to renewables.
