We recently upgraded a section of our 330kV Victorian New South Wales Interconnector network.
What we did
Increased the export capability between Victoria and NSW by approximately 170MW by:
- installing a 1000MVA 500/330 kV transformer at our South Morang Terminal Station
- replacing two series capacitor banks at our South Morang Terminal Station
- additional protection and control works.
Increased the reliability and resilience of our network by:
- tightening the spans of our 330 kV transmission lines between South Morang and Dederang. This reduces sway which can cause power interruptions.
- carrying out works to allow the network to operate at the desired thermal rating.
Electricity interconnectors are high-voltage cables that connect the Victorian and NSW electricity network. They allow excess electricity, such as renewable power generated from solar or wind farms, to be shared between the two states – going wherever it can be best utilised. This effectively “tops-up” the available power supply for both states and ensures that any spare renewable energy doesn’t go to waste. This makes a greener, more efficient energy system.
With the shift from coal generation to renewable energy now gathering momentum in Australia, there is increased need for additional interconnector capacity between Victoria and New South Wales. This upgrade will enable more efficient sharing of generation resources.
AusNet carried out the upgrades on behalf of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).