Hydro Tasmania has completed a major $18m upgrade of the central system that allows it to monitor and control most of the State’s hydropower system from Hobart. 

Hydro Tasmania partnered with one of the world’s largest control system vendors, Emerson’s Aspen Technology business, to transition its power stations to the new Generation Management System (GMS), replacing a 25-year-old system that had reached end of life. 

Hydro Tasmania’s Executive General Manager of Assets and Infrastructure Jesse Clark said the GMS helped the business manage one of the most complex hydropower systems in the world.  

“The GMS is essentially the brain of our hydropower network,” said Mr Clark. 

“Most of our 30 power stations are operated remotely by a team of highly-skilled generation controllers based in Hobart, working in close collaboration with our teams on the ground.” 

“They are dealing with minute-by-minute changes in demand, weather and the market, dynamically managing the system to deliver maximum value for Tasmanians. 

“The GMS will allow us to be more responsive. This is especially important as we transition to a new energy future in which hydropower will play a critical role filling the gaps in wind and solar generation.” 

Mr Clark said the transition had been years in the making. 

“This marks a new era for the business, providing greater efficiency, scalability and capability across our network,” said Mr Clark. 

“The GMS will provide a resilient system that is prepared for the future of hydropower in Tasmania and ensure our hydropower system is able to deliver for Tasmanians and generations to come.” 

The upgrade is part of Hydro Tasmania’s 10-year $1.6b schedule of works to modernise its hydropower network. 

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