Download - Powering Sydney’s Future · welcome your input so we can best understand how this project might affect the communities along the cable route. In addition to regular updates, we

What is a transmission cable circuit?Transmission cable circuits are an essential part of the electricity network. They enable the transmission of high voltage electricity between substations to support distribution. The transmission cable circuit proposed as part of Powering Sydney’s Future would consist of three cables installed underground connecting our substations in Potts Hill and Alexandria.

www.transgrid.com.au/psf

Powering Sydney’s Future

Community Newsletter

Potts Hill to Alexandria transmission cable projectPowering Sydney’s Future is about securing a reliable, safe and economical electricity supply to inner Sydney. This project will deliver a crucial transmission cable circuit between our substations in Potts Hill and Alexandria, and provide for a second circuit to meet future demand.

The preferred route for this project primarily follows local and main roads and is around 20 km long (see route overview inside). The new cable circuit would mainly be installed underground with some cable bridges to cross rail lines and waterways. You can view a more detailed map online at www.transgrid.com.au/psf.

Power Generation DistributionTransmission Power to the Community

May 2018

The non-network solution allows TransGrid to defer the network solution.

However, network changes are still needed by 2022 to ensure that inner Sydney continues to enjoy reliable power supply into the future.

Installation of conduits for two transmission cable circuits


Powering Sydney’s FutureCommunity Newsletter

Non-network solutionThe non-network solution involves a mix of:

Network solutionWe are proposing to construct a new 330 kV underground cable circuit between our substations at Potts Hill and Alexandria. To avoid future disruption we are proposing to install additional infrastructure to allow for a second cable circuit at a later stage.

Our substations at Potts Hill, Alexandria and Picnic Point will also need upgrades to allow for the new connection.

Why do we need the project?The inner Sydney network supplies electricity to more than 500,000 customers in Australia’s biggest city. Parts of the network are over 50 years old and are approaching the end of their serviceable life. Powering Sydney’s Future is TransGrid’s response to this ageing network and increasing demand in a growing Sydney. A reliable electricity network is essential to support growth, and we are working towards a solution to ensure inner Sydney’s needs are met now and into the future.

TransGrid’s plans include a network and a non-network solution.

Local generation eg diesel generators, solar

Storage batteries

Demand response planned reduction in

customer energy usage. New 330 kV underground cable circut

Substation Substation

How would the project be built?

Community Newsletter


Powering Sydney’s Future

AlexandriaAlexandria

Special crossing

Proposed transmission cable routeIndicative alignment


Special crossing



Special crossing


Conduit (pipe) installation

For most of the alignment we would dig a trench about three metres wide, install conduits before burying them and temporarily restoring the area.

To cross waterways and rail lines, we are proposing to build special cable bridges.

We anticipate that each cable drum section will take up to eight weeks to install (most properties would be exposed to around two weeks of trenching activity).

We anticipate that construction of each joint bay will take up to three weeks (in addition to trenching works).

This typically takes about two weeks, weather permitting.

This typically takes up to three weeks to complete.

Joint bay construction

Noise and vibration Traffic and transport Visual amenity Biodiversity Land use Social and economic

Cable pulling Cable jointingJoint bays are built by digging an underground bay, and allow the cables to be installed in sections. Joint bays are usually installed every 600 to 800 metres along the trench. Once the joint bays have been built, they would be accessed later to install the cables (cable pulling and cable jointing).

Once the joint bays are connected by conduits, sections of the transmission cable can be installed.

Once the cables have been installed in the conduits, they are joined together inside the joint bays. This would typically be done soon after the cable pulling towards the end of construction. Cable jointing is completed inside a covered enclosure.

Joint bay construction Cable jointing

Provide your feedback on how the project might affect you at www.transgrid.com.au/psf

Conduit (pipe) installation

600-800m

Cable pulling

Restoring the areaA critical step in finishing the project will be permanently restoring all affected areas. TransGrid will work closely with your local council and road authorities on how and when roads and public areas will be programmed for final restoration.

Construction laydown areasDuring construction we would need to establish a number of laydown areas to support the works. The laydown areas would be used to store equipment and materials and would be in use for up to two years.

Special crossingsThe preferred route crosses rail corridors, waterways and some parks. We are investigating a number of potential design solutions for these locations in consultation with key stakeholders. This includes the construction of ‘cable bridges’ and consideration of underground drilling or alternative alignments.

Work hoursIt is important to us to make sure we minimise the impact of our work on the community while we build this important asset for our city. Where possible, we would look to schedule construction at times to minimise disruption to businesses, residents and commuters. Standard construction hours are likely to be:

• Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm

• Saturday 8am to 1pm

No work on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Out of hours work is likely to be required at special crossings, during cable jointing and on major roads and at locations where road authorities require us to work at night.

What environmental approvals will we go through?TransGrid is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. The EIS will look at the likely environmental impact of the construction and operation of the cable project. It will examine specific topics such as traffic and transport, noise and vibration, air quality, social and economic impact, visual amenity, and electric and magnetic fields. The EIS will be placed on public display for comment in early 2019 by the Department of Planning and Environment. Approval from the NSW Minister for Planning is required following public exhibition before TransGrid can proceed with construction of the project.

Electric and magnetic fieldsElectric and magnetic fields (commonly known as EMF) occur both naturally and from man-made sources. They are not unique to high voltage power lines and cables. All living organisms, including humans, have natural electric charges, currents, and internal electric and magnetic fields. Man made EMFs occur whenever electricity is being used in any form of electrical equipment or wiring. Most people will be exposed to a wide variety of EMF sources throughout their daily lives in their homes, places of work and the general environment.

At 5 metres 14-29 mG

At 8 metres 5-20 mG

Fridge2-5 mG 2-20 mG

Laptop2-30 mG

OvenUnderground Transmission cable circuit

Powering Sydney’s FutureCommunity Newsletter

Key Dates


What are the next steps?As we prepare the EIS, we want to ensure you know about the project and have the opportunity to input into the process.

TransGrid will be in touch with stakeholders as well as community members living or working along the preferred cable route during the development of the EIS. We will be seeking feedback and ensuring key issues are captured, considered and addressed.

We need your input As we prepare the EIS, it’s important for us to work with businesses, residents and the community to identify the potential impacts and identify solutions that can work. We welcome your input so we can best understand how this project might affect the communities along the cable route.

In addition to regular updates, we will also be holding a number of community drop-in sessions, to discuss the project and potential impacts (please check your letterbox, local newspaper or online for upcoming dates).

You can also visit our online feedback portal at www.transgrid.com.au/psf to find out more and share your thoughts about the project.

Milestone

Stakeholder engagement on route options

Preferred route announcement and community information sessions

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) planning and development

Stakeholder and community engagement to assist EIS development

Community drop-in sessions

EIS placed on public exhibition for stakeholder and community feedback

Community information sessions

Project approval decision

Construction

Date

2016 – 2017

Mid 2017

Late 2017

Early 2018

Mid 2018

Early 2019

Early 2019

Mid 2019

2020 – 2022

We are here

Connect with usFor more information about the project, please visit the project website on www.transgrid.com.au/psf or contact the Powering Sydney’s Future project team on:

Toll-free phone number: 1800 222 537

Email: [email protected]