Ross Primary Plant Replacement
The Ross Substation, a key hub transferring 275kV power from central to north and far north Queensland, is undergoing phased replacement of ageing primary infrastructure, due to equipment nearing the end of its operational life.
275kV/132kV 66/33kV
PRIMARY PLANT REPLACEMENTS
31
STAGES V’S 15 COMPLETED TO DATE
13,500
TERMINATION COMPLETED
POWERLINK
LEADING PROJECT
222
FOUNDATION TOTAL V’S 165 COMPLETED TO DATE
40,000M
CABLES PULLED TO DATE
Overview
The Ross Substation, established in 1983, plays a crucial role in transferring 275kV power from central to north and far north Queensland, and is vital for the Townsville area’s electricity distribution network. Its three 275/132kV transformers supply power to Townsville and nearby regions through various Powerlink substations. Now over 35 years old, much of the substation’s primary equipment is nearing the end of its operational life and lacks manufacturer support, with limited spare parts available. This presents a risk of potential faults that could jeopardize the network’s capacity to meet both current and future energy demands, highlighting the critical need for infrastructure upgrades.
CPP Scope of Works
Replacement of 275kV and 132kV primary plant including structures/foundation over 26 stages for Powerlink Queensland.
- Substation Construction
- Substation Civil Works Construction
- Erection for 275kV and 132kV Primary Plant & Structure
- Demolition of Plant & Equipment Foundations
- Construction – Testing (Electrical Works)
Deliverables
CPP Entities
- Construction
Metrics
- 31x stages in total, 15x completed to date
- 222x foundations in total,164x completed to date
- 40,000m of cables pulled
- 13,500 terminations completed
- 45,000 hours worked to date with no LTI or MTI’s (safety concerns)
- 4,000 hrs in training
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