TransGrid’s Queensland-New South Wales Interconnector (QNI) upgrade is progressing on schedule, with the energisation of new capacitor banks that will help ensure continuing stability on the electricity grid.
Executive manager of delivery Craig Stallan said the project incorporated new technology that would enable greater sharing of cheap electricity between the states.
“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic we are working safely to deliver this important upgrade which will provide reliable, cheap electricity to customers,” Mr Stallan said.
“TransGrid will have greater control of power flows between the states once this project is completed at the end of the year.”
Related article: New milestone for QNI upgrade
Three new capacitor banks were energised at the Armidale Substation with an additional one scheduled to be energised next month. Eventually there will be six capacitor banks onsite.
Similar works will be conducted next month in Dumaresq and at Tamworth Substation in October and November. A total of nine capacitor banks are being added to all three sites across the QNI project, to provide additional reactive power on the grid and keep the network stable.
The upgrade has created 155 construction jobs for the region on the transmission lines and in substations at Armidale, Tamworth and Dumaresq. The project has provided opportunities for local suppliers including crane operators, accommodation owners, fencing, tree services, hygiene, safety, electrical and concrete companies.
Construction of the QNI upgrade began in May 2020, with the project due for completion in December this year.
For more information about the QNI project click here.
