South East Terminal substation
The intended commencement of the proposed South East Terminal was for the first quarter of 2011; however a recent review of the transmission network south of Perth indicates that the South East Terminal will now not be required for at least three years. This is due to a number of external influences on the network, such as the type, size and location of new power stations.
The South East Terminal project is part of the South West Transmission Reinforcement project. The bulk transmission reinforcement project was proposed to enhance the capacity of the bulk electricity transmission network by connecting the Perth metropolitan area to the large generators located (or proposing to locate) in the south west region of Western Australia. The project entails establishing a new 330,000 kilovolt (330 kV) double circuit transmission line connection from Collie to Perth by:
- Stringing the 75 km long second circuit of the existing 330 kV transmission line from Collie (SHO) to Wells Terminal (WLT) near Boddington;
- Rebuilding the existing 90 km long 132 kV line from Wells Terminal to Hacketts Gully as a double circuit 330 kV transmission line; and
- Establishing a new 330 kV switchyard (South East Terminal, SET) in the locality of Oldbury.
The project has not progressed to regulatory approval stage due to uncertainty regarding the timeframe for developing new generation in the area. Alternative generation developments have deferred the need for this network reinforcement. We are continuing to review the need for the project in light of these revised plans in consultation with key government and industry stakeholders.
As part of our regular review of load projections and forecast planning, we are required to review all projects and to prioritise projects that will ensure the reliability and security of our network. Our plans always need to be flexible as changes to usage patterns, connection needs and forecasts mean that we often need to delay, advance or alter the delivery of projects to meet the identified needs at any given time.
Background
With the planned connection of new generation to the State’s 330 kV network it is essential that the electricity system be reinforced so that Western Power can maintain a secure and reliable power system. Western Power plans to achieve this by establishing a new 330/132 kV terminal substation south of Perth at Oldbury, to be known as the South East Terminal Substation. The new terminal substation will provide an interconnection point between critical transmission lines, increasing the transmission network connectivity within the Perth region.
Western Power has been in consultation with the Shire of Serpentine/Jarrahdale since it bought the site in 2005 and has appreciated the assistance and the local knowledge of the area offered by the Council and the Shire representatives. The Shire’s comments have been useful in understanding the constraints of the site and issues important to members of the community.
The initial development will involve the construction of a switchyard, with four 330 kilovolt line circuits connecting the switchyard to exiting lines nearby. The switchyard will initially encompass approximately 4 hectares of the site.
Ultimately, as the electricity demand in the region increases the terminal will be required to accommodate another yard that will be capable of supporting up to eighteen 132 kV line circuits that will connect the terminal to zone substations within the region. The direction of these lines and the number will depend on the future development of the area.
For further information regarding this project, please contact Project Officer Rod Torrens on 9326 4590 or rod.torrens@westernpower.com.au.
*Load projections and plans are regularly reviewed which may impact on the timing of this and other projects undertaken by Western Power.
