Hydro Tasmania today confirmed that 100 MW of temporary diesel generation has been installed at sites across the state.

Installation of the diesel generators is one of the key measures being implemented under the Energy Supply Plan.

“The Plan outlines how we will be able to meet all Tasmanian energy demand through to the winter rains without Basslink in operation, even in the event of low inflows and so that we are able to cope with another substantial event,” said Hydro Tasmania CEO Steve Davy.

“Our people have been working tirelessly to implement the Energy Supply Plan, and the plan is achieving its objective: to meet all Tasmanian energy demand,” Mr Davy said.

The generators at the Meadowbank Power Station site have been supplied by Aggreko, one of three suppliers of diesel equipment. The other two suppliers are EPSA and APR.

“We’ve committed a team of local and international experts, working around the clock for the past month – through holidays and extended hours – both on site in Tasmania and at our technical head support office preparing equipment,” said Aggreko Managing Director George Whyte.

“We’ve had some logistical challenges in bringing together a fleet of more than 100 generators, but working well with Hydro Tasmania, and through the tremendous efforts of everyone involved, we’ve met this ambitious target.”

Hydro Tasmania is progressing installation of the second tranche of temporary diesel generation, with 200 MW of temporary diesel generation to be installed by the end of April.

Under Phase Two of the Energy Supply Plan, Hydro Tasmania is sourcing additional generation capacity, including 2 additional 25 MW of dual fuel units (to be installed in the Bell Bay precinct during May) and more options for containerised diesel generation.

“Measures being implemented under the Energy Supply Plan mean that we are able to access alternative energy sources, such as diesel and gas, to minimise the draw on hydro storages,” Mr Davy said.

“How we manage this operationally will depend on factors including inflows, demand and the return to service of Basslink. If it rains less then we will generate more from gas and temporary diesel generation to maintain storage levels and meet energy demand. If it rains more we will generate less from gas and temporary diesel generation as storages will remain at higher levels.”

The contribution of gas generation at the Tamar Valley Power Station, diesel already running and demand-side reductions to date have replaced the imports Tasmania had been getting over Basslink.

Overview of diesel installation

Tranche One

• Catagunya Power Station: 24 MW has been installed and is operating well.
• Meadowbank Power Station: 24 MW is installed and is being commissioned, with operation starting this week.
• George Town substation: 21 MW is installed and is being commissioned, with operation starting this week.
• Port Latta substation: 20 MW is installed, with commissioning to commence this week.
• Que River 1: 18MW is being installed with commissioning to commence this week.

Tranche Two

• Que River 2: 18MW to be installed; design completed, equipment procured and site works commenced and progressing to plan.
• Savage River: 24MW to be installed; design completed, equipment procured and site works commenced and progressing to plan.
• Bell Bay 1: 50MW of dual fuel capacity to be installed; design completed, equipment procured and site works commenced. First generation likely to be early May.

Ends

Released by Samantha Meyer (03) 6230 5746, samantha.meyer@hydro.com.au