Victorian Energy Minister visits Latrobe Valley as Marinus Link prepares for major construction
Gippsland workers are preparing to begin construction of Marinus Link’s new converter station at Hazelwood North, bringing Australia first technology to the Latrobe Valley.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes met with engineers and the local site team today ahead of major works to hear about the advanced technology that will soon strengthen energy security and stability in the Victorian grid.
Marinus Link Project Director Andrew Train briefed the visitors on the upcoming construction program and advanced technology being installed.
“The Hazelwood North Converter Station is one of two, with the other being constructed at Heybridge, in North West Tasmania,” Mr Train said.
“Each station will house four enormous transformers weighing 330 tonnes when installed, alongside 24 advanced valve structures standing 11 metres tall – equivalent to a three-storey building.”
“We’re currently establishing the site and mobilising the workforce, with earthworks planned to begin before the end of the year.”
The visit follows a recent sod-turning ceremony in North West Tasmania and the granting of a Transmission and Infrastructure Licence under Australia’s new offshore infrastructure regime, which marked the project’s final Commonwealth approval.
During the visit, Minister Symes met with Gippsland-based workers employed through the project’s lead civils and construction contractor.
“With construction only in early stages, our lead contractor has engaged 16 Victorian businesses, six of those based in Gippsland,” Mr Train said.
“Across Gippsland and North West Tasmania we’ve invested $7.5 million into local businesses, who will be helping deliver national-scale infrastructure.”
A scale model of the advanced high-voltage direct current (HVDC) valve technology that will be installed at the Hazelwood North Converter Station was on display. Supplied by Hitachi Energy, the technology will enable electricity to flow efficiently between Tasmania and Victoria and will be the first deployment of grid-forming technology at both ends of an Australian interconnector.
Community members will also have an opportunity to learn more about the technology behind the project, with scale models of the converter valve soon to be on display at Marinus Link’s community information centres in Leongatha and Burnie.
