Construction of one of the biggest and most sophisticated substations in the Southern Hemisphere has been completed, providing a major connection hub to bring more affordable and cleaner renewable energy to millions of consumers in three states.
Transgrid and its EnergyConnect construction partner Elecnor have completed a mammoth construction effort to deliver the world-class Buronga substation in south-western New South Wales.
The substation is 15ha in size—equivalent to 21 soccer fields—comprising 24,000m3 of concrete and sophisticated electrical equipment from around the world, including synchronous condensers, phase-shifting transformers, shunt reactors, step down transformers, power transformers and capacitor banks.
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Transgrid executive general manager of major projects Gordon Taylor said, “EnergyConnect is critical to improving the reliability and security of the National Electricity Market as coal-fired power stations retire, with interconnections to boost energy sharing between NSW, South Australia and Victoria.
“The 900km interconnector will provide access to clean, affordable renewable energy to households and businesses in three states, putting downward pressure on energy bills and helping Australia meet its net zero targets.
“The Buronga substation is a true feat in design, engineering, construction and commissioning and is the first in the world to boast five phase-shifting transformers running in parallel, providing improved load sharing, increased grid stability, enhanced transmission capacity, and reduced congestion.
“All mechanical and electrical works have been completed at the substation without any major injuries—a testament to the safety-first culture and commitment of our teams.
“We reached the final milestone with the energisation of the last section of the Buronga substation, which will increase capacity from 150MW to 800MW following completion of the 540km eastern section of the project between Buronga and Wagga Wagga.”
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The Buronga substation comprises:
- 24,000m3 concrete
- 1,800 concrete piles
- 420,000 metres of low-voltage cabling
- A 60m long 1200m2 machine hall
- Five 200MVA phase-shifting transformers
- Four 330kV 60MVAr shunt reactors
- Two 120MVAr synchronous condensers
- Two 120MVA 330/12kV step down transformers
- Three 200MVA 330/220kV power transformers
- Two 330kV 52MVAr capacitor banks.
More information on EnergyConnect is available here.
