The innovative design by Entura, featuring a plastic concrete cut-off trench, has been instrumental in protecting theExcavation site from potential seepage from Lake King William. This trench not only safeguards the area but also provides flexibility for future construction activities related to the intake excavation.
Hydro Tasmania Interim Executive General Manager, Construction, Tammy Chu, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “This has been an impressive effort, removing 240,000 cubic metres of rock and soil, and using 3,700 rock bolts, some up to 6 meters long. Overcoming the challenges posed by complex geology and Tasmanian winter weather has been a testament to our hard work and determination. Additionally, this project has created local jobs, with a peak workforce of 30 people on-site delivering this critical work.”
The construction of the intake tower is the next phase of work on the project, with a tender recently released to mark another milestone. Designed by Entura, the intake tower includes a 30-meter-high concrete structure housing intake screens, a large steel gate, and an associated hydraulic hoist. Progress on the 950-meter-long connecting tunnel is also well underway, with work nearly complete on removing 100,000 tonnes of material. This tunnel will connect the new intake to future conveyance systems, ensuring water flows into Tarraleah Power Station.
Hazell Bros Group has collaborated with tunnelling experts, Tunnelling Solutions, to complete approximately 260 blasts along the tunnel length, further advancing the project.
Hydro Tasmania emphasized the importance of this upgrade, noting that the scheme has been providing clean energy to Tasmania since the 1930s, making it one of the utility’s oldest and most significant projects. The Federal Government has also committed up to $65 million in funding to support these upgrades, ensuring that Tarraleah will be ready to meet future energy demands for generations to come.
This upgrade represents a crucial step in Hydro Tasmania’s commitment to expanding its hydropower capabilities and supporting Tasmania’s energy needs. The successful completion of theseExcavation and construction efforts underscores the utility’s dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions.
