The cause of a large fire that engulfed an electrical substation south of Wollongong, which caused millions of dollars in damage, is being investigated.
Key points:
- A large fire has destroyed a substation transformer south of Wollongong
- An investigation has been launched into the causes of the fire
- Transgrid estimates that the cost of replacing the unit could reach $ 10 million
At around 3pm on Saturday, one of the four transformers at the Yallah substation failed, causing multiple explosions that caused an oil fire.
Approximately 60 firefighters were involved in the incident, which occurred two kilometers from the Tallawarra power plant.
They managed to contain the fire and get about 100,000 liters of oil.
The operator of the installation, Transgrid, will investigate the exact cause of the mechanical failure.
“There will be an investigation process through which any asset failure goes through,” said Transgrid general maintenance director Ian Davidson.
“With this particular incident it is too early to speculate what the exact cause was.”
Firefighters are still at the scene watching a small fire that continues to burn.
Transgrid estimates the fire caused $ 6 million to $ 10 million in damage. (Provided by: Transgrid)
The transformer is a “depreciation”
Transgrid will start the process of replacing the destroyed transformer.
“The unit that failed is definitely a cancellation,” Davidson said.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“A program of replacement, civil reconstruction will be needed [and] replacement of smaller equipment around it “.
He estimated that the replacement project would cost between $ 6 million and $ 10 million.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) confirmed that the fire had no impact on the electricity supply of NSW residents.
The fire emitted a large column of smoke and nearby residents were advised to close the windows and stay inside. (ABC News)
The remaining three transformers will continue to supply power while the damaged unit is replaced.
“Our substations have multiple units, so we have three other transformers that have the same capacity down here that will continue to supply the local area,” Davidson said.
“We will now begin work on replacing that failed unit with one of our strategic spare parts.”
The incident is not believed to be the result of a recent increase in electricity demand.
Posted 1 hour ago 1 hour ago dig. June 19, 2022 at 4:33 am, updated 32 m ago 32 minutes ago dig. June 19, 2022 at 5:05 p.m.