UPDATE: Transgrid has just unveiled the new Buronga Substation, hailed as one of the largest and most sophisticated in the Southern Hemisphere. This significant development promises to enhance energy capacity and reliability in Australia as it progresses to support the EnergyConnect project.
The unveiling comes on the heels of crucial work conducted last month, where powerlines were strung along the Cobb Highway between Hay and Deniliquin. This operation involved multiple cranes and dozens of workers to ensure safe traffic control and the secure installation of cables, exemplifying the project’s scale and complexity.
Spanning a massive 15 hectares, the Buronga Substation incorporates 24,000 cubic meters of concrete and advanced electrical equipment from across the globe. Key components include synchronous condensers, phase-shifting transformers, and capacitor banks, all designed to facilitate efficient power flow.
According to Gordon Taylor, Transgrid’s Executive General Manager of Major Projects, this substation is a game-changer for Australia’s energy landscape. “The 900km interconnector will provide households and businesses in NSW, South Australia, and Victoria access to clean, affordable renewable energy,” he stated. This initiative is expected to apply downward pressure on energy bills while helping Australia achieve its net-zero targets.
Felipe Delgado, Project Director for Elecnor Australia, emphasized the engineering feats accomplished throughout the project. “The scale and engineering complexity of this substation is unlike anything else in Australia,” he noted. The collaboration among various delivery partners across civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines has been pivotal in overcoming significant engineering challenges.
The Buronga Substation has officially reached its final milestone with the energization of the last section, which will dramatically increase capacity from 150 megawatts to an impressive 800 megawatts. This enhancement is slated to occur once the eastern section of the project—the 540-kilometre line between Buronga and Wagga Wagga—is completed.
As Australia transitions away from older coal-fired power stations, the Buronga Substation stands as a beacon of progress, promising a more sustainable energy future. With the completion of this project, residents and businesses can look forward to a more stable and reliable energy supply.
Stay tuned for further updates as this transformative project continues to unfold, reshaping the energy landscape in Australia and ensuring a cleaner, greener future.
