About the project
The 80-kilometre, 220 kV Liapootah−Palmerston transmission line links infrastructure in the south of the State with the northern transmission system. It was one of three major projects we inherited following disaggregation of the former monopoly electricity provider, the Hydro-Electric Corporation (HEC).
The line connects Palmerston Substation in the north to Liapootah Substation on the Derwent River in the south. With the line crossing some important environmental areas, the project demanded a mix of engineering skills, high levels of community consultation and sensitivity to the landscape. So successful was it that the project was highly commended in the 1999 Engineering Excellence Awards organised by the Tasmanian division of Engineers Australia. ABB Engineering Construction Pty Ltd worked as the principal contractor.
The benefits
Completion of the $23.8 million project has significantly strengthened the link between the transmission system in the north and south of the State. By more than doubling transmission capacity between northern and southern Tasmania, the security of the electricity system has been enhanced and more efficient use can be made of water for power generation.
Completion date
Construction of the line was completed in 1999.