The Ararat Terminal Station, located near Elmhurst, Victoria, is a pivotal infrastructure project that connects 75 wind turbines to the national electricity grid.
This station, first constructed in 2017, produces 242 MW of clean, renewable, and secure power for the grid. The site is currently undergoing expansion to include a synchronous condenser (syncon) to regulate voltage and stabilise the power system in the event of unexpected faults.
Project Challenge
The challenge at the Ararat Terminal Station was to enhance the stability and reliability of the power grid, especially with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources. The addition of a synchronous condenser was necessary to maintain a balance between power generation and consumption, quickly responding to sudden changes in power demand to stabilise the grid.
Boral's Solution
Boral's regional concrete teams played a crucial role in the construction of the Ararat Terminal Station. In November, teams across the area supplied 1700m3 of concrete over three pours, with an average distance of 82km between the plant and the project site.
With up to 36 trucks supplying concrete through our Ballarat and Delacombe concrete plants, the total distance travelled by our agitator trucks was 42,892km – that's more than three laps around Australia!
Thank you to the teams from St Arnaud, Swan Hill, Moama, Bendigo, Daylesford, Bacchus Marsh, and Woodend who were involved, as well as our quarry and cement businesses for their collaboration with the extensive pre-planning.
Project Outcomes
The synchronous condenser at Ararat Terminal Station is a significant addition to the project. This large motor-like machine will help maintain a balance between power generation and consumption, responding quickly to sudden changes in power demand to stabilise the grid.
Upon completion in 2025, the syncon will unlock up to 600 MW of renewable energy generation, aiding Victoria's transition to 95% renewable energy generation by 2035.
Australian Energy Operations Chief Executive Officer Glen Thomson highlighted the significance of the syncon, stating, “This facility will allow more clean electricity to connect to the network, while ensuring key system security needs are met. Syncons could be described as the unsung hero of the energy transition, they don’t get the same headlines as batteries, wind or solar, but they will play an equally crucial role in keeping the lights on for Victorian homes and businesses.”
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio added, “The Victorian Government is investing in the energy infrastructure our state needs to keep the lights on and allow more affordable and reliable renewable energy to flow to Victorian homes and businesses. Projects like the Ararat synchronous condenser are crucial to provide stability to Victoria’s energy grid as we connect the new solar, wind and battery storage that will secure our state’s energy future.”
Conclusion
The Ararat Terminal Station and its synchronous condenser represent a significant step forward in Victoria's renewable energy journey. Boral's contribution to this project underscores our commitment to building a sustainable future through innovative construction materials and solutions. Together, we are building something great.
