Tasmania’s second largest hydro power station is getting a $200 million overhaul, the biggest upgrade in the facility’s history.
The Poatina Power Station will have six of its turbines upgraded over the next decade as part of the project.
Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan said one turbine had already been upgraded and recommissioned, with a second expected to be finished by April 2027.
“This $200 million project will upgrade six of the station’s turbines over the next decade,” Duigan said.
“The new materials and technology will deliver more efficient machines, with the new turbine runners using less water to produce the same amount of energy.”
The efficiency gains are significant.
Previously, the turbine runners needed servicing every six months.
Duigan said the upgraded equipment is expected to run for around 20 years without heavy maintenance.
“In the past, the turbine runners would need to be serviced every six months. Now we’re expecting to get about 20 years of runtime without having to do any heavy maintenance,” he said.
Poatina is a critical piece of Tasmania’s energy network, generating 10% of the state’s energy needs.
Hydro Tasmania CEO Rachel Watson said the new turbine runners will use less water to produce the same amount of energy.
“Technology has advanced a lot in 60 years. New materials and technology will deliver more efficient and adaptable machines for Poatina,” Watson said.
“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.”
