Wedoany.com Report-Mar 18, Rowallan Power Station is back in operation after a two-year, $30 million refurbishment that has extended its operational life by more than 30 years.
The upgrade has improved efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, with new online monitoring systems to reduce breakdowns and upgraded control systems.
Hydro Tasmania’s Acting CEO Erin van Maanen said the 10.5MW Rowallan Power Station plays a vital role in the state’s hydropower network: “Commissioned in 1968, Rowallan Power Station is the first of eight power stations in the Mersey-Forth Scheme, which generates up to 290 MW.
“Water flows from Lake Rowallan through the Scheme, generating electricity multiple times from the same water. Every drop counts and contributes to Tasmania’s enviable renewable energy capacity.”
Hydro Tasmania Site Manager Scott Tatsi led the refurbishment, which involved around 100 Hydro Tasmania staff and 60 specialist contractors.
“We completely stripped down the machine and upgraded pretty much every component, including the spiral case, physical controls and electrical control panels. Some were original parts from the 1960s,” Tatsi said.
“It’s very specialist work, so to have our apprentices working and learning alongside experienced professionals was a great collaboration. It was a very proud moment to see the station back up and running again, better than ever.”
Specialised turbine equipment was sourced from Europe, Turkey, and Romania, while Hydro Tasmania’s local Cambridge Workshop contributed to manufacturing, refurbishment, and testing.
van Maanen said the refurbishment is part of Hydro Tasmania’s broader strategy to modernise its infrastructure.
“We’re making sure our hydropower network is fit to continue providing clean energy for future generations,” she said.
