Hydro Tasmania has opened a new building and control room at Poatina Power Station, paving the way for significant upgrades at the station over the next decade. 

The $3.5m project includes a new main building, warehouse, electric vehicle charging stations and above-ground control room, as well as upgrades to smaller facilities on site. 

The new buildings are an important step in a larger project to upgrade all six turbines at Poatina to newer models, ensuring the power station will continue to help meet Tasmania’s energy demands. 

Hydro Tasmania CEO Rachel Watson said the new buildings would offer a solid base for the Northern Production and Major Works teams as they carry out upgrades in the north of the state. 

“Our $200m investment in Poatina over the next 10 years is part of a new era of hydropower that will deliver energy for generations to come,” said Ms Watson. 

“This is about managing our assets for the long-term and ensuring our hydropower network is efficient, reliable and flexible.” 

One of the biggest changes was the relocation of the station’s control room. Until now, it was located inside the power station, 150 metres underground in a massive cavern. 

Assets and Infrastructure Delivery Manager Luke Fonseka said the works had brought Poatina’s facilities and ageing control room into the 21^st century. 

“The new facilities will allow us to better manage our assets as we carry out these important upgrades to the power station,” said Mr Fonseka. 

“Our operators can now control the power station from the new office at ground level rather than spending the majority of their day underground." 

Hydro Tasmania and its consulting arm Entura started the power station refurbishment in May 2024. Works are progressing well with the upgrade of one turbine nearing completion.