Hopeland terminal

With significant load growth in the areas between Rockingham and Mandurah, we are planning to construct a 2 new 132 000 volt (132 kV) transmission lines in the Hopeland locality to cater for the increase in the surrounding community’s power requirements. The new transmission lines will reinforce the high voltage electricity network that supplies the community zone substations in Rockingham, Meadow Springs, Mandurah, Waikiki and future substations in the Baldivis and Golden Bay areas by connecting the existing transmission line infrastructure that supplies them.

The new lines will be required to connect the existing transmission lines to the east and west of the Hopeland Terminal site. The Terminal site is located on the corner of Karnup and Jarrah Roads and the new lines will connect to the network via the site. With this in mind, a suitable corridor has been identified for further study to select 2 potentially viable line route options to use.

Study area

Preliminary transmission line route options

• View map of preliminary transmission line route options

Community engagement

On 24 August 2010 a follow up community session was held to present the line route options to the community for feedback. The session was facilitated by Linton Pike from Estill and Associates. A report detailing the community feedback will be posted here shortly.

13 transmission line route options have been identified and can be viewed by clicking on the link above. Please note that these options are only preliminary and may be subject to further refinement. No options have been decided on and we are still researching the study area and gathering community feedback.

Should you wish to provide us with comments on the options please contact the Project Coordinator, Lyall Murphy, on the details at the bottom of the page.

The next step in the process involves our project team assessing each of the options in detail with all the feedback gathered to identify the preferred line route alignments to progress. At this stage we will advise the community and stakeholders of the preferred options and the next steps of the project. 

 

How are line route options selected?

In order to provide the community with some background on how the options have been selected, below are the technical requirements that have been used for this project. We will be discussing this in detail at the community session and the community will have ample opportunity to ask questions of our project team.

The technical requirements for the new line route include:

  • The route of the new 132 kV transmission lines should be as direct as possible to minimise the length of line required as well as minimising angles to avoid the need for supporting stay poles and wires which ultimately reduce costs and visual impact. The alignments also need to factor in existing infrastructure, such as houses, buildings, distribution power lines, telecommunications and pipelines that would require relocation or mitigation works.
  • The lines are expected to be single circuit lines, which can be constructed on wood poles. Single circuit lines also allow for more options to be considered for future electricity load demands.
  • A dual circuit line constructed on steel poles will also be considered if overall costs can be reduced or overall benefits that can be demonstrated. The availability of suitable multiple line route options may also determine whether we construct two single circuit lines or one double circuit line.
  • One option being considered is to locate the connection point of the new line to the existing 132 kV transmission line to the west as close as possible to the future Keralup development. The development is expected to require at least 1 zone substation in the future. A line in close proximity will allow for a future connection.
  • The lines should be located within the standard alignment within road reserves where possible. This can reduce the need for easement acquisition and impacts on private land holdings. However all viable options will be considered in the assessment.

Substations explained

Substations form an important part of the electricity network, providing power to the community every time a light switch or appliance is turned on.

Substations ‘step’ or ‘convert’ power voltage up or down so that electricity can ultimately be delivered from power generators through to local homes, businesses and communities.

In a state that is continuing to develop and grow there is an increasing demand to provide electricity across the power network. As the use of devices such as air-conditioners and plasma televisions consume large volumes of power supply, and industry, communities and businesses continue to grow, more substations will be required.

Terminal substations

Terminal substations form a strategic, regional node in an interconnected electricity transmission system. Terminal substations service vast areas and form an interface between the long distance, high voltage transmission system and the lower voltage system in a local area.

Terminal substations are the largest of the substations and are best located close to or within a ‘demand centre’. They are generally located outside of densely populated areas to accommodate the amount of land required, which is usually within the vicinity of 330 metres x 680 metres.

For 330kV Terminal substations there can be up to 8 incoming/outgoing transmission lines to connect the network together.

For 132kV Terminal substations there are generally 12 incoming/outgoing transmission lines to connect the network together.

Useful links

Contact us

For more information contact our Project Coordinator, Lyall Murphy 08 9326 4744 or lyall.murphy@westernpower.com.au.

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