Snowy Hydro Limited has embarked on a substantial modernisation program, which will maximise the value of the Snowy Mountains Scheme hydro-generation assets.  The program will deliver engineering solutions, which underpin our trading strategies and increase our flexibility in responding to future operating and maintenance strategies.

Modernisation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme Power Stations will introduce advanced controls and protection systems technology across the entire Scheme.  Ageing and high maintenance plant components such as circuit breakers, high voltage transformers and cables will be replaced with modern components.  New turbine runners will optimise generation capabilities and improve efficiency of water utilisation.

Major maintenance of the Schemes extensive trans-mountain tunnel systems, which deliver water from lakes to the power stations, is in progress to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable management of water utilised by the Snowy Mountains Scheme.  Innovative maintenance techniques and engineering solutions for water conveyance tunnels are enabling future tunnel maintenance requirements to be substantially reduced.

Update - June 2010

In 2010, work on Snowy Hydro's $400 million Scheme Modernisation project entered a new phase, with the commencement of work at Guthega Power Station, the oldest power station in Snowy Hydro's fleet.  The Unit 1 refurbishment, upgrade, and control system replacements commenced in January 2010, and will be completed by July 2010.  Extensive repairs to the main mechanical components were completed during this outage, reinforcing the need for Snowy Hydro to continue to undertake this work.

Work has also commenced on Tumut 3 Unit 6, the fifth generator to be overhauled in Tumut 3 Power Station.  This work is progressing well, with the team slightly ahead of schedule.
 
Jindabyne Pumping Station Control & protection replacement is planned to occur this year.

Unit 14 at Murray 2 Power Station, and units 1, 2, 3 and 4 at Tumut 3 Power Station, have now been completed with new control and protection systems installed, all mechanical and electrical components overhauled and the turbine runners replaced.  These units are now capable of providing between 25 and 50MW of additional capacity each at Tumut 3.  Blowering Power Station control & protection system replacement was completed in 2009.

Twenty air-blast generator circuit breakers have now been replaced with modern, reliable SF6 insulated breakers.  The new breakers reduce maintenance requirements, increase overall availability, and improve reliability.  A new project has recently been completed, where all 11kV distribution circuit breakers across the Scheme were replaced.

Preliminary work has commenced for the Upper Tumut project phase.  Contracts are now in place for replacement main transformers and 330kV cables for Tumut 1 underground Power Station, and supply of new turbine runners for Tumut 1 and 2 Power Stations.  The first of the Tumut 2 runners is scheduled for delivery in early 2013.  Work on the replacement of the first main transformer and 330kV cable will commence after winter, when snow no longer hampers access by the heavy transport vehicles.

Preliminary investigations have commenced to assess the Murray 1 Power Station refurbishment scope of works, which are likely to commence in 2015.
The first six major overhauls and upgrades have been completed without significant injury or incident.  Outstanding teamwork, dedication, and skill has been displayed by all involved, contributing to the successful implementation of a complex, high quality finished product.

The project represents an investment in maximising asset value through increasing turbine capacity and efficiency, maintaining long term reliable operational capability and modernising the Scheme assets through replacing aging technology.