Attendees went behind the scenes at Tungatinah with a tour that demonstrated how Hydro Tasmania harnesses the natural power of water and turns it into power for the State. 

Hydro Tasmania Executive General Manager People, Governance and Corporate Affairs Ruth Groom said power station tours were a great opportunity to share a piece of hydro history with the public. 

“Our power station tours create a moment for the public to meet some of our dedicated power station operators and connect with the hydropower assets that have been powering Tasmania for more than 100 years,” said Ms Groom. 

“It’s a chance to share the long and proud history of hydropower in Tasmania and the plans we have for the future.”

Participants also had the opportunity to explore and soak in the history of nearby Tarraleah Estate, where the workers who built the Derwent Hydropower Scheme once lived. 

Scott Reid and his wife Marcia travelled all the way from the Brisbane to attend the Tungatinah Power Station tour. 

A fitter and welder by trade, Mr Reid said he had been interested in hydropower all his life. 

“Every time I drive past a power station I always stop and take a photo and have a look around, but when you get the chance to go inside and see the innerworkings you just go ‘wow,’” said Mr Reid. 

“We went right down to where the turbines are, then the generating hall where you see the top of the generators, and the switch room as well. 

“I highly recommend doing a power station tour – I would ‘t miss it for the world.” 

With a generation capacity of 142.2 MW, Tungatinah is one of 10 major power stations in the Derwent Hydropower Scheme. 

Water is brought together from several lakes and lagoons to Tungatinah Power Station, where it flows through five turbines and eventually reaches Lake Liapootah, before continuing through many more hydro-power stations downstream.

 Construction of the Derwent Hydropower Scheme began in 1934 and the last power station was commissioned in 1968, with Tungatinah being commissioned in 1956. 

Power Station tours are part of Hydro Tasmania’s ongoing commitment to connect with the communities it serves, giving Tasmanians a first-hand look at the State’s renewable energy story. 

Today's tour followed a fully booked tour of Tungatinah last week on Friday 20 March. 

Ends.