Snowy Hydro 2.0 — 330kV GIS Installation

Year
2020
Location
Ravine, NSW
Client
Hitachi

Project Overview

Through a long-standing relationship with Hitachi (then ABB), Optimal Power was engaged to complete the 330kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) installation for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project at Ravine — working under the direction of Hitachi's specialised product supervisors and providing site management for the engagement. At peak, 22 personnel were on site, collectively logging close to 1,000 hours per week across the team. The project was successfully completed in November 2020.

This project highlights Optimal Power's capability across gas insulated switchgear installations from 33kV through to 330kV — a specialised scope requiring precision installation, gas handling and rigorous testing standards. Working on a remote, compacted site under tight timeframes, the project was delivered through close coordination with Hitachi's overseas product specialists and other site contractors, with forward planning critical to managing material deliveries and plant availability.

Scope Highlights

  • Construction of 4 bays of 330kV gas insulated switchgear
  • Circuit breakers, CTs, VTs, disconnector/earth switches and GIL pipework
  • Connection to 4 sets of outdoor bushings for incoming/outgoing lines
  • Approximately 10,000m of cable installed and terminated
  • Approximately 2 tonnes of SF6 gas installed in vacuumed pipework
  • Full pre-commissioning and HV testing prior to handover
  • Capability spanning 33kV to 330kV gas insulated switchgear systems

    • Construction of 4 bays of 330kV gas insulated switchgear
    • Circuit breakers, CTs, VTs, disconnector/earth switches and GIL pipework
    • Connection to 4 sets of outdoor bushings for incoming/outgoing lines
    • Approximately 10,000m of cable installed and terminated
    • Approximately 2 tonnes of SF6 gas installed in vacuumed pipework
    • Full pre-commissioning and HV testing prior to handover
    • Capability spanning 33kV to 330kV gas insulated switchgear systems
  • ★★★★★
    “Optimal Power has been a reliable and supportive partner throughout our projects. Their team is always responsive, proactive, and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes. I’ve had an excellent experience working with them”
    Ricardo De'Oliveira | Hitachi
    Optimal Power