Hydro Tasmania has begun work on the second turbine upgrade at Poatina Power Station as part of a A$200m investment programme to modernise the station’s six generating units over the next 10 years.
The project includes electrical and mechanical refurbishments across all machines, as well as replacement of the existing Pelton turbines with newer models supplied by Andritz. Additional components are being sourced from Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
Commissioned in 1965, Poatina is Hydro Tasmania’s second largest hydropower station, with installed capacity of 360MW. The station is located in a cavern 150m underground and uses water from Yingina / Great Lake flowing down the Great Western Tiers.
Hydro Tasmania chief executive Rachel Watson described the works as the station’s largest upgrade since commissioning more than 60 years ago.
“Technology has advanced a lot in 60 years. New materials and technology will deliver more efficient and adaptable machines for Poatina,” she said.. “The new turbine runners will use less water to produce the same amount of energy, helping us to keep more water in our storages.
“We’re expecting to get about 20 years of runtime from the new runners without having to do any heavy maintenance.”
Hydro Tasmania said the previous turbine runners required removal and reconditioning every six months.
The utility added that the original turbines were designed for more static operating conditions, while the new machines are intended to respond more effectively to changing market demands.
“The new turbines have been built for the new market. They’re fast and adaptable, which gives us much more flexibility in operating our fleet,” Watson said.
The station’s control systems will also be upgraded to provide real-time operational data to support maintenance planning.
“The brain – how the machine is controlled – is completely different, with a new electronic system that controls the machine and feeds back information on its condition,” Watson added.
Hydro Tasmania’s consulting business, Entura, has supported the project through grid studies, factory acceptance testing and engineering services related to design and refurbishment activities.
Hydro Tasmania is carrying out the removal and installation of upgraded components, including the 130-tonne rotor. Most refurbishment work is being undertaken at the company’s Cambridge workshop in Hobart.
The second turbine upgrade is scheduled for completion in April 2027.
In September last year, Hydro Tasmania opened a new building and control room at the power station.
