Building a

new substation

Building for the future

 Key Points
P
 rior to the construction of a new substation,
we complete a State Government-approved
process under the Sustainable Planning Act
2009 (SPA), which includes comprehensive
environmental impact assessments and
associated community consultation.
P
 owerlink works closely with affected
landowners both before and throughout
construction to help minimise any impacts.
P
 owerlink is committed to ensuring we
meet our environmental obligations
all construction work is carried out in
accordance with an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) and an Environmental
Management Plan (EMP) which outlines
strategies and actions to manage any potential
environmental and community impacts.
2 Building a new substation
What is a substation?
A Powerlink substation is normally a fenced facility
connected to transmission lines that contains electrical
equipment and ancillary buildings. Some substations convert
high voltage electricity down to a lower level so it can be
delivered to the distribution networks owned by Energex
and Ergon Energy. Other substations connect power stations
and industrial customers or control the flow of electricity on
the transmission lines forming the States transmission grid.
A substation is a key part of the transmission network
in addition to transforming voltages, it measures and
controls the flow of electricity on the grid, and switches
transmission lines on and off to enable maintenance to
be undertaken safely and to protect the network from
electrical faults or equipment failure.
Powerlinks high voltage substations are much larger than
the distribution substations operated by Energex and Ergon
Energy. This is because the equipment used in a high voltage
environment is typically much larger and requires more
space than lower voltage equipment.
In many instances, a Powerlink substation will contain
equipment owned by both Powerlink and the local
distributor, so that Energex or Ergon Energy can access
the power and distribute it to the local community.
Its important to remember that substations are not power
stations they do not generate electricity.
This information sheet refers to building a new substation,
however similar activities may be undertaken to rebuild or
refurbish existing substations. The information provided is
intended as a guide only.
A typical substation Working with our environment
While substations vary in design, they have a number of Powerlink follows a State Government-approved process
common features including: under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) when planning
a new substation. Under this process, a comprehensive
Transformers are one of the most integral pieces of
environmental study is undertaken once a site is selected.
substation equipment. They transform electricity from
Community members and interest groups are invited to
high voltages down to levels suitable for large industrial
be involved with this process at an early stage. An
customers or distribution networks that ultimately
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) helps ensure any
supply businesses and households.
potential environmental, community or economic impacts
Circuit breakers are switches which can be used to associated with the project are identified and managed. It
interrupt the flow of electricity. They can be used during includes desktop studies, field studies, consultation and the
maintenance to disconnect parts of the substation and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
allow work to safely take place.
The EIS is a formal report that examines the environmental,
Busbars transfer the electricity within the substation community and economic aspects of a project and identifies
from the wires that feed into the substation and the ways to manage any impacts. A Draft EIS is released for
powerlines leading out of the substation. community feedback prior to the Final EIS being developed.
Protection equipment monitors the amount of This work results in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
electricity flowing through substations and powerlines. being developed, which outlines the actions we will take to
All Powerlink substations include protection systems that reduce any impacts identified in the EIS.
detect unexpected electrical faults on the transmission All construction works are carried out in accordance with
network and automatically isolate the affected equipment. the EIS and EMP to mitigate and manage any potential
This allows us to manage and rectify unexpected faults. environmental or community impacts.
Earth grid are wires buried just underneath the ground
An Environmental Officer is also appointed to every project
to ensure the equipment is earthed. You cant see the grid,
to ensure that Powerlink meets its environmental obligations.
but its an integral part of the substations safety system.
For detailed information about this process, please see
Planning a new substation our information sheet Consultation and Environmental
Impact Assessments.
Powerlink, in consultation with Energex and Ergon Energy,
undertakes annual planning for the electricity network. Our
planning considers whether new substations are required to
reinforce the main transmission grid or to reliably meet the
population growth and demand forecasts in particular areas.
Once a need has been identified, we begin work as early as
practicable to select a site. This provides advance notice of our plans
to landowners, councils, developers and government departments.
We also acquire land for substations, often by purchasing the site
outright from the owner. In these cases ownership of the land
transfers to Powerlink.
In addition to constructing a new substation, from time-to-time
we carry out construction work to replace ageing substations.

3
Constructing a substation
Generally the construction of a substation can take one
to two years depending on its size. The level and type
of construction activity and equipment used may vary as
construction progresses.
Work is normally carried out by Powerlinks contractors.
Powerlinks Construction Inspectors will also be on-site to
ensure the work is performed to contract specifications.
The contractors Site Supervisor is in charge of the
construction and safety on site. For safety reasons, only
authorised Powerlink people and our contractors are
allowed to enter the substation site.
1. Preparing the site
Site preparation involves:
Marking the boundary of the substation site and erecting
safety fences.
Removing any vegetation as necessary.
Levelling and possibly raising the site and compacting
soil if required.
Excavating drains if needed.
Stabilising any new embankments (batters).
These activities may create some temporary noise and dust.
However, we endeavour to limit this activity to times when
neighbours will be least affected. This stage can take around
eight to 12 weeks.
2. Installing foundations
Usually, a large excavator or boring machine is used to create
foundations. Concrete is poured and left to cure and the
foundation is completed. Trenches and roadways will also
be excavated during this stage. This stage can take around
eight to 10 weeks. Following the completion of this stage,
heavy excavation vehicles and equipment are no longer
required on-site and the potential for disruption from noise
or dust is reduced.
3. Assembling equipment
During this period, the electrical equipment is installed and the
ancillary buildings that house control equipment are erected.
Several steel lattice towers may be erected using cranes and
elevated work platforms. These towers support the wires
from the transmission lines that connect to the substation.
Internal roads are sealed and a road base is laid on the
remainder of the substation site.
Heavy equipment such as high voltage transformers may be
delivered at this time. These transformers are very large,
weighing hundreds of tonnes and measuring around 20m long,
5m wide and 8m high. Because of their size, transport can be
slow. Delivery is often completed early or late in the day when
there is less traffic on the road. This stage can take around
eight to 12 weeks.
4. Testing and commissioning the substation
A series of thorough inspections and commissioning tests are
carried out before the substation is put into service. This stage
can take around six to 10 weeks.
5. Reinstating the site
The substation site will be left tidy and embankments and
other areas around the fence lines reinstated where necessary.
Further rehabilitation or revegetation may also be completed.
This stage typically takes around two to four weeks.
6. Maintaining the substation
Powerlink will maintain the substation to ensure its reliability
and safety. An annual review is generally conducted and any
maintenance is carried out as required.
The life of a substation is about 40 to 50 years. Replacement
and refurbishment work may need to be completed from
time-to-time. This may be as simple as replacing some ageing
equipment over several days or weeks, or rebuilding certain
sections of the substation which could take several months.
At times, we may need to work outside of normal work hours to
undertake essential maintenance or respond during an emergency.
Measures will be taken with lighting and noise to minimise
disruption to our neighbours during any out of hours work.
4
 Explanations and frequently used terms
Substation
The role of a substation is to monitor and control the flow,
stability, quality and voltage of electricity on the transmission
lines connected to the facility. Equipment located within the
substation is used to transform the voltage of electricity,
protect the network, measure the flow of the electricity,
and switch electricity between the different transmission lines
and transformers on the grid. A substation is not a power
station it does not generate electricity.
Transmission line
A transmission line is a powerline which is capable of carrying
large amounts of electricity at high voltages. Transmission
lines are larger and taller than the everyday distribution
powerlines which deliver electricity to your home and business.
Transmission lines are normally built on tall steel towers or
concrete and steel poles.
Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) documents
the actions Powerlink will take to manage and minimise
environmental and social impacts that might result from the
design, construction or operation of the transmission line.
The EMP is developed as part of the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS).
Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA)
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) is legislation which
seeks to manage the process and effects of developments
and ensure coordination and integration of local, regional
and state planning.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process
to ensure any potential environmental, community or economic
impacts associated with the project are identified and managed.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The written report that is produced as part of the EIA process.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) examines the
environmental, community and economic aspects of proposed
projects and identifies ways to manage any impacts. The EIS
is an important part of Powerlinks consultation process and
is advertised for public comment. Included in the EIS is an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

5 Building a new substation

About Us More Information
Powerlink Queensland is a State Government Owned Other useful guides can be accessed from
Corporation which owns, develops, operates and maintains www.powerlink.com.au including:
the high voltage transmission network in Queensland. C
 onsultation and Environmental
Our network of high voltage substations and transmission lines Impact Assessments
extends 1,700km from Cairns to the New South Wales border Understanding designation for transmission
approximately half of Australias eastern seaboard. line infrastructure
U
 nderstanding resumptions for transmission
Powerlinks transmission network is the central link in the
line infrastructure
electricity supply chain, transporting electricity from power
stations where it is generated, to distributors Energex, Ergon Maintaining our network and easements
Energy and Essential Energy that deliver electricity to around
two million customers. Contact Us
Powerlink also transports electricity directly to industrial Call FREECALL 1800 635 369
customers and to New South Wales via the Queensland/New (during business hours)
South Wales Interconnector transmission line. Email us at
Powerlink does not generate or buy or sell electricity we simply website.enquiries@powerlink.com.au
transport it in bulk from wherever it is generated across Visit www.powerlink.com.au, or write to:
our high voltage transmission network to where it is needed.
Network Property
For more information see our About Powerlink Queensland
Powerlink Queensland
information sheet.
PO Box 1193
Important note: The contents of this information sheet are current at the time of print and are VIRGINIA QLD 4014
indicative only. Powerlink reserves the right to change its policies and procedures from time
to time. Before relying on this information you should contact Powerlink to check whether it
is still current.

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Version May 2012