Transmission infrastructure investigation

Origin is investigating an alternative powerline route and terminal station proposal to be submitted to various planning and environmental agencies. There are two principal reasons for this.

Taking electricity from the wind farm to the terminal station at 132 kV via a double circuit line will result in less power being lost through the powerline than through the previously proposed 132 kV line. Generally speaking, the higher the voltage or increased number of conductors/wires, the lower the transmission losses - and the difference would be significant.

Minimising the power lost in transmission is particularly important given the reduction in the wind farm's capacity from 242 turbines as proposed, to 157 as permitted. Dispatching renewable electricity to the grid more efficiently will make the best use of the wind resource.

Importantly, the original powerline route put forward in 2010 is not suitable for the new powerline being sought. As such Origin is seeking both a new site for the terminal station and a new powerline route from the wind farm to the terminal station.

Secondly, the body responsible for transmission network planning and advice, the Australian Energy Market Operator, has recommended that terminal stations should wherever possible be located in areas that promote future upgrade and provide greater benefits to the electricity network. This includes better planning to minimise the likelihood of duplicating electrical infrastructure. In the local context, the proposed location for a terminal station is near the crossover of the 220 kV Terang-Ballarat line and the 500 kV Moorabool-Heywood.

In summary, the objectives of this investigation are to:

• reflect the updated terminal station establishment guidelines issued by the Australian Energy Market Operator in June 2011
• cater to future development and reduce infrastructure duplication in the area
• develop a proposal that meets the requirements of relevant planning and environmental legislation.

So far a technical investigation has identified a potential corridor for a powerline route and terminal station location, shown on the map below.

Corridor under investigation click to enlarge

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• Download the Corridor investigation plan (1.97MB)

The corridor was identified via a technical investigation of social, environmental and economic constraints. This investigation examined more than 50 databases provided by government and other organisations. The databases identified local heritage features, native grasses and a range of other aspects.

As part of the process to identify a preferred powerline route, we will consult with landowners within this corridor as well as take into account technical and environmental considerations.

For further information about this process and the next steps please click on an appropriate link below.

• General information about the Project