Snowy Hydro 2.0 Transformer Installation at Kosciuszko National Park

Snowy Hydro 2

Snowy Hydro 2.0 Transformer Installation at Kosciuszko National Park

PBE Rutherford partnered with Addelec to undertake a critical infrastructure upgrade for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project located in Kosciuszko National Park. The upgrade involved installing a new 22/33kV transformer and the comprehensive testing and commissioning of associated high-voltage (HV) systems.

Challenge

The primary challenge was to improve the power distribution capability without disrupting the existing operations of Snowy Hydro 2.0, an essential energy project in a sensitive environmental area. The installation needed to include advanced HV cable systems, protection relays, and an earthing system while adhering to strict environmental and safety standards due to its location within a national park.

Solution

The project was segmented into several key phases:

Installation of 22 and 33 kV HV cables with precise terminations and testing
Installation of a Network Energy Resource (NER) system followed by rigorous testing and commissioning; implementation of a portable substation
Programming and testing of protection relays.

Addelec’s installation also included a comprehensive High Voltage Circuit Breaker (HVCB) test and commissioning. Each phase was carefully planned and executed to create minimal environmental impact and compliance with national safety regulations.