Pindari Hydro Project

Energy offering

The Pindari Dam, near Ashford, Inverell in the northern NSW was completed in 1969 and enlarged to its present size in 1994. It is primarily used for irrigation purposes.

The irrigation releases provided an ideal opportunity to maximise the use of this renewable resource to increase the amount of renewable energy generated by Meridian Energy Australia. The dam has a storage capacity of 312,000 megalitres.

Technology

The hydro project comprises two horizontal Francis turbines rated at 2.8 MW each and made in Norway, a single generator of 6.8 MVA designed by GE Canada and a 6.6/66 kV transformer manufactured in Australia. The turbine is rated for 68 m head with a maximum flow of approximately 1000 megalitres per day. The shaft speed is 750 rpm.

The plant is fully automated and remote controlled via state-of-the-art computer technology and is operated fully unmanned. The station is operated with twin turbines at high heads, but capable of single turbine operation during low heads by isolating one runner.

Energy supply and environmental impact

The plant's long-term average energy output has been estimated at about 16,300 MWh of green energy per annum, enough to supply approximately 4000 households. The power is exported to the national grid via an 8 km 66 kV transmission line constructed by Country Energy. The project will save 14,600 tonnes of CO 2 -equivalent per year during its 80-year lifetime.

Acknowledgements

The Sustainable Energy Development Authority of NSW (SEDA) assisted the project, providing financial assistance in the form of a grant related to the project's demonstrated rate of return. In October 2001, the project won the SEDA Green Globe Award for Innovation in Hydroelectricity.