$30 m upgrade gives Rowallan Power Station another 30 years
Upgrades include new online monitoring systems to reduce breakdowns and cutting-edge controls.
“Commissioned in 1968, Rowallan Power Station is the first of eight power stations in the Mersey-Forth Scheme, which generates up to 290 MW,” says Hydro Tasmania Acting CEO Erin van Maanen. “Water flows from Lake Rowallan through the Scheme, generating electricity multiple times from the same water."
"Every drop counts and contributes to Tasmania’s enviable renewable energy capacity.”
Seeing the station return to service was a proud moment for Hydro Tasmania Site Manager Scott Tatsi. Leading a team of 160 staff from Hydro Tasmania, its consulting arm Entura, as well as other specialist contractors, Scott coordinated the works that saw just about every component of the machines stripped and refurbished or replaced.
‘We machined the spiral casing, replaced physical controls, and upgraded the electrical control panels. Some were original parts from the 1960s,” says Scott.
“The station is now more efficient, more flexible and more reliable. Not to mention, we’ve added another three decades to its operating life.”
Despite this huge achievement, Scott said the team collaboration and intergenerational learning was the highlight. “It’s very specialist work, so to have our apprentices working and learning alongside experienced professionals was amazing.
“It was a very proud moment to see the station back up and running again, better than ever.”
Specialised turbine equipment came from Europe, Turkey and Romania, with Hydro Tasmania’s local Cambridge Workshop playing a significant role in manufacturing, refurbishment and testing.
Acting CEO Erin van Maanen said every megawatt was important in Tasmania’s energy system, especially with demand growing every year. “The work at Rowallan is part of ongoing investment to maintain and modernise our infrastructure."
“We’re making sure our hydropower network is fit for future generations.”
