NZ Power Transmission: Big Contract To Reinforce DC Interisland Link
November 4th, 2009
Siemens has won the principal contract for the construction of Pole Three of the high-voltage direct current interisland link for state-owned grid operator Transpower. Pole 3, a $672m project, is due to be commissioned in 2012. Stage one of Pole 3 will, with existing Pole 2, restore interisland transfer capacity to 1000MW. Stage two will increase capacity to 1200MW by 2014. Finally, a third stage involving an additional submarine cable across Cook Strait is expected to increase capacity to 1400MW in the next decade. Pole 3 will operate beside Pole 2 and use the existing undersea cable and overland DC transmission line. Pole 1 will continue to be maintained on limited stand-by to address security of supply concerns until it is decommissioned in 2011.
The HVDC link has been a key asset in NZ’s electricity supply since the mercury arc valve-based Pole 1 was commissioned in 1965. Pole 3 will be thyristor-based and the award of the contract is the culmination of 18 months’ planning, design and consultation.
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