Hydro Tasmania will invest $1.6 billion over the coming decade to upgrade and modernise its existing hydropower network.
CEO Ian Brooksbank (Thursday) laid out the forward plan for capital works, including major refurbishments across 10 power stations and five dams.
“These works will extend the operational life of our power stations, improving capacity, reliability and flexibility.
“That means we’ll get more energy out of every drop of water, and we’ll be more responsive to fluctuations in demand.
“This will help us to support wind and other renewables in a modern energy system.”
Mr Brooksbank said the capital works complemented plans to redevelop the Tarraleah Hydropower Scheme and to build pumped hydro at Lake Cethana.
“Our incredible hydro network has played a significant role in fuelling Tasmania’s economic growth.
“But it can’t stand still in time. We must invest in our infrastructure for a new era of Tasmanian hydropower that will help meet the state’s energy demands now and in the future.”
The $1.6 billion investment is in addition to the approximately $100m it costs to operate and maintain the fleet every year.
Mr Brooksbank said major upgrades at Gordon and Poatina were underway, with all works carefully timed and coordinated.
“The mighty Gordon and Poatina Power Stations are the biggest in our network, with capacities of 432MW and 360MW respectively.
“Works of this scale take years of engineering and logistical planning, especially when you consider they are occurring deep underground.
“A big shout out to the team at Gordon who just lifted the 173-tonne stator. This is the heaviest lift we do and it’s a rare event involving two cranes and millimetre-level precision.”
