14 March 2025
The new-and-improved station is more efficient, reliable and flexible. 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."
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.
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.
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."
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This is an amazing story of survival in the complex universe that exists in the fresh waterways we manage. It’s not to be confused with the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which is a completely different story in a much larger universe. The two are similar only in that they contain important lessons about life, the universe and everything, so make yourself a solid cup of tea and don’t forget your towel.
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