Picton to Busselton transmission line
Project Region
Bunbury-Busselton-Margaret River Project Suite
Project Status
Current
Project update March 2012
Western Power has commenced initial investigations into requirements for establishing a new 132 000 volt circuit from Picton Substation to Busselton Substation. We do not expect to build any new assets between Picton and Capel because one of the existing transmission lines has been built to be utilised at 132 000 volts already. The key decision will be how to establish a 132 000 volt transmission line between Capel and Busselton. One of the existing transmission lines has already had 70 per cent of the poles replaced. The new poles may be capable of supporting a 132 000 volt line. This needs to be confirmed by studies currently underway. This would present the option of minimising impact of any new assets by utilising the existing poles on this line.
The initial community engagement sessions were held in Busselton on 28 February and in Capel on 29 February 2012. From these sessions and previous stakeholder engagement we have become aware of several key issues that need to be taken into account as we begin to investigate options for the new line. These issues include the:
- Tuart Forest south of Capel
- proposed Busselton Outer Bypass and future expansion of urban areas to the border of the Outer Bypass
- proposed expansion of Busselton airport and development of an industrial area north of the airport
- possibilities for future upgrades to Bussell Hwy and establishment of a light rail system
- impact on private landowners when transmission lines cross their properties
- prevalence of muddy ground which will limit our ability to construct new infrastructure following rain
A summary of the engagement sessions can be found here (PDF 96 kb).
Western Power will now finalise a set of line route options to be taken into the analysis stage, with the aim of selecting a preferred option by August 2012. Prior to deciding on a line route Western Power must also:
- gather more information on environmental and social impacts of different options
- gather information on cost and risk associated with each option
- determine the long-term vision for the network in the area, particularly, determining if the optimal solution includes removal of the 66 000 volt network entirely
- analyse feasibility and pros and cons of building any new sections of line:
- within new corridors
- corridors adjacent to existing lines (then removing the old line after the new line has been built)
- building within the same alignment (progressively removing the old section of line while replacing it with new)
All these issues will be discussed in stakeholder options deliberation workshops prior to selection of a preferred option. More details to follow.
Project description
Currently there are two 66 000 volt circuits between Picton and Busselton. Due to emerging capacity constraints, voltage performance issues (risk of voltage dropping too low at substations) and ageing transmission infrastructure, a new 132 000 volt circuit needs to be established running from Picton Substation, to Capel Substation, and on to Busselton Substation.
Our current transmission lines include:
- Picton-Capel 71 – a single circuit 66 000 volt line, 24 years old, already built to 132 000 volt specification, however it needs to be confirmed that it can actually still be utilised (rules may have changed)
- Picton-Capel 72 - single circuit 66kV, 35 years old
- Capel - Busselton 71 - a single circuit 66 000 volt line, 34 years old
- Capel - Busselton 72 – a single circuit 66 000 volt line, 44 years old
- Picton – Pinjarra / Busselton 81 - a single circuit 132 000 volt line, 8 years old
Approximate replacement age for a transmission line is 50 years, so we are planning this capacity expansion project to take into account upcoming asset replacement in the region.
This investment is designed to resolve the risk of voltage dropping too low at Busselton Substation and thermal compliance issues at Picton Substation. It also enables further substation capacity to be provided at Busselton.
Western Power is working with stakeholders to identify the optimal line route and configuration, taking into account environmental impacts caused by land clearing, conflicts with existing and planned infrastructure such as the Busselton Outer Bypass, community impacts, and cost of the project.
Picton to Capel map
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Click here for higher resolution map (PDF 620 kb)
Capel to Busselton map
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Click here for higher resolution map (PDF 820 kb)
Proposed timeline
- Community and stakeholder engagement ‘kick-off’ sessions - last week February 2012
- Options analysis to select preferred line route (including community and stakeholder input) – May to July 2012
- Spring surveys to identify rare flora along proposed transmission line route – spring 2012
- Required-in-service date for the transmission line – November 2017
Please note that these dates are indicative only and will be updated as the project progresses.
Approvals
As preferred options are not known given the early stage of the project, approval requirements are yet to be determined. Environmental approvals are expected to be required for major infrastructure development within this area, given the presence of rare flora, threatened species, including Carnaby’s Cockatoos, and wetlands. Several of these projects are expected to be subject to the Regulatory Test applied by the Economic Regulation Authority.
Further information
Community and stakeholder engagement
Contact us
To make any enquiries or to be added to our community contact list for this project, please contact our customer service centre on:
Phone: 13 10 87
Email: enquiry@westernpower.com.au
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