Getting the most out of our existing hydropower assets is a key part of the Battery of the Nation initiative. That is because hydropower is the largest source of flexible energy generation and storage in the National Electricity Market (NEM) and it can continue to be the backbone of a stable, reliable future grid. We’re currently looking at the potential to boost the power capacity, operational flexibility and energy output of one of Tasmania’s oldest hydropower schemes.
With the support of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), we’ve assessed options for reimagining the Tarraleah scheme in the Central Highlands to deliver more renewable power, more flexibly in the future. The technical part of our feasibility study is complete and we are now finalising the preferred asset management strategy to set Tarraleah up for long term success in a future energy market.
In December, the Tasmanian and Australian Governments announced a commitment to identify and refine support mechanisms for the project. A $650 million redevelopment of Tarraleah could increase the scheme’s responsiveness, flexibility and double its generation capacity.
The announcement comes alongside the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Tasmanian and Australian Governments, marked by a visit from the Prime Minister, Tasmanian Premier and Federal and State Energy Ministers to Trevallyn Power Station.
The MOU outlines a shared path forward for further progressing the new 1500MW interconnector Marinus Link and the pumped hydro and hydropower upgrade opportunities that form the Battery of the Nation. In March 2021, ARENA and Hydro Tasmania released a knowledge sharing report that presents a framework for making hydropower asset management decisions in a future energy market context, using Tarraleah as a case study. You can access the report here - Repurposing hydropower assets for future market.
Image: The diagram depicts the main parts of the scheme we’re talking about - the power stations at Tarraleah and Butlers Gorge and the water conveyances that run from Lake King William
2. Refurbishment
The Tarraleah station is iconic and has a rich history. It’s important that we understand those heritage values and make a plan for managing and preserving the historic station, and other parts of the scheme that may have value, should they no longer be needed for power generation.
A redevelopment of the scheme would mean the construction of a new power station in a nearby location.
Refurbishment of the scheme means we'd maintain the existing station and do the work needed so it can continue to operate safely and reliably. The six turbines and generators are near the end of their life and will need to be replaced with brand new machines, along with replacement or refurbishment of other parts of the station.
Image: The diagram depicts what a full proposed redevelopment of the scheme could look like.
Of course!
We welcome feedback from the Tasmanian community and will continue to keep you informed. We welcome your suggestions on the best way to provide project updates or for you to contact us with questions you may have.