Gullen Range Wind Farm
6th November 2013
TransGrid completed connection works on the Gullen Range switching station on 3 October 2013. The switching station will connect Goldwind’s Gullen Range Wind Farm in New South Wales’ Southern Tablelands. Gullen Range is the first major wind farm since 2010 to achieve successful grid connection with TransGrid.
The wind farm connects to the existing high voltage 330kV powerline that runs adjacent to the wind farm site. The powerline connects the wind farm with TransGrid’s existing Yass and Bannaby substations. In addition to the switching station works, TransGrid installed a powerline termination tower and microwave communication facilities.
TransGrid worked with their contractors, United Group and John Holland, for the project. The connection works were delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.
Further to physical works on site, the wind farm has achieved successful registration to operate in the National Electricity Market and in accordance with the Clean Energy Act.
“TransGrid and their contractors, United Group and John Holland, have delivered the connection works ahead of schedule enabling wind turbine commissioning to commence in November. Connecting to the 330kV TransGrid system provides a very robust connection solution for the project,” said John Titchen, Managing Director of Goldwind Australia.
TransGrid Managing Director Peter McIntyre said this is further evidence of their commitment to renewable energy.
“The energy industry is undergoing a period of significant change and electricity transmission networks such as TransGrid will be key in the shift to lower emission and renewable energy generation sources,” he said.
Mr McIntyre added that TransGrid was extremely proud at having delivered this vital project ahead of schedule.
“We are particularly pleased that by working closely and in collaborative fashion we have achieved a great result.”
Gullen Range Wind Farm is being built based on the Australian Government Renewable Energy Target (RET). The restatement of commitment to the RET by the Federal Government following the election is welcome.
The Gullen Range windfarm will consist of 73 Goldwind turbines. Energisation of turbines is planned to begin in late November and early December 2013 with operation expected to commence in June 2014.
About TransGrid
TransGrid is the owner, operator and manager of the NSW high voltage network connecting generators, distributors and major end users in NSW and the ACT.
The network is interconnected to Queensland and Victoria, providing a strong electricity system that makes interstate energy trading possible. The NSW transmission system is the heart of the National Electricity Market and serves the largest state in the market. Electricity is generated at power stations then transmitted by our network through 12,800 kilometres of high voltage transmission lines and underground cables, along with 94 substations. The electricity is finally delivered to homes, factories and businesses by electricity distributors, Ausgrid, Essential Energy, Endeavour Energy and ActewAGL.
TransGrid operates the transmission network, using the latest control and monitoring equipment to guarantee the highest level of availability and reliability of our high voltage system. For more information, please visit http://www.transgrid.com.au