Australian operator turns to capacity increasing technology
Australia: Transmission network operator Transgrid is counting on Smart Wires’ technology developed in the USA.
Image source: PV Magazine Australia
Australia: Transmission network operator Transgrid is counting on Smart Wires’ technology developed in the USA.
The technology is to increase the capacity for the bidirectional flow of energy between Australia’s most populous states with works on the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) upgrade project nearing completion.
Transgrid has confirmed its VNI upgrade project, which will increase transfer capacity into NSW from Victoria by 170 MW at times of high demand, is now more than 80 % complete with the network operator saying it remains on track for completion this year.
The project, identified as a priority by both the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the NSW government, involves an upgrade of Transgrid’s substations at Yass and Stockdill in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) using SmartValve technology designed by US-based company Smart Wires.
The company’s modular power flow controller technology enables the real-time control of electricity flows along power lines. The system detects areas of congestion in the network and automatically redirects flows to less congested lines.
Transgrid executive manager of works delivery Craig Stallan said the system will increase the capacity for the efficient flow of energy across state lines, unlocking spare transmission capacity using existing transmission infrastructure.
“This is clever technology which benefits both customers and the environment and will allow renewable energy from Victoria to flow into NSW and the ACT when demand is greatest,” he said. “We are maximising the capacity of the existing infrastructure, resulting in a more secure, stable network that will be able to integrate more renewable energy.”
Commissioning of the units at Yass substation is expected by the end of 2022. The VNI upgrade is scheduled for completion in December.
Source: PV Magazine Australia
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