Hitachi Energy has been selected to provide high-voltage technology for Transgrid’s HumeLink project, working alongside contractors UGL, CPB Contractors, Acciona and Genus.
Hitachi Energy will deliver and install high-voltage circuit breakers1 for the new 500kV, 365km transmission line connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle in New South Wales (NSW).
Related article: HumeLink transmission project secures planning approval
Circuit-breakers protect important equipment in electrical grids by clearing potentially harmful short-circuit faults in tens of milliseconds, preventing severe damage and enhancing power system availability.
HumeLink, one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure projects, will help enable a reliable and more sustainable grid by increasing the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered across the national electricity market. The project will help Australia meet future energy demands while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.
Hitachi Energy country managing director Bernard Norton said, “As the energy transition in Australia is gathering pace, HumeLink is one of the major transmission projects that is needed to build a reliable, resilient, and future-ready grid, which will support a sustainable energy future.
“We are pleased to supply our leading high-voltage technology and partner with UGL-CPB Contractors and Acciona-Genus for Transgrid’s vital project which will enable the delivery of additional clean energy to Australian consumers.”
Related article: Regulator approves reduced costs for HumeLink Stage 2
Eventually, HumeLink will unlock the full capacity of the expanded Snowy Hydro Scheme and enable greater sharing of energy across the Eastern states.
Additionally, Hitachi Energy is supplying Transgrid with 15 shunt reactors for the HumeLink and VNI West projects, which by stabilising voltage during load variations, increases the efficiency of power systems.
