Projects

Mullumbimby Direct Link Project

Client
ABB
Sector
Power Networks & Transmission
Location
Mullumbimby and Bungalora

Delivering critical infrastructure for Australia’s first electricity market interconnector

Services
  • Design & Procurement
  • Supply
  • Installation
  • Testing & Commissioning
The Challenge

The DirectLink Project was developed to establish a connection between the New South Wales and Queensland wholesale electricity markets, improving energy transfer capability between the two States.

The project formed part of development of the DirectLink Interconnector, a 59 kilometre, 180MW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector running between Mullumbimby and Bungalora in New South Wales.

As part of the project, specialised civil and electrical works were required to support installation of major high-voltage infrastructure and interconnection equipment.

The Genus Approach

Genus was engaged to deliver civil and electrical installation works supporting the DirectLink Project.

The project involved installation of specialised high-voltage equipment associated with the 180MW interconnector, requiring integration of electrical, communications and protection infrastructure.

The works drew on Genus’ capabilities across supply, installation, testing and commissioning of high-voltage assets.

Delivery in action

Genus delivered installation works associated with specialised HV equipment and supporting infrastructure.

The scope includes installation of:

  • Converter reactors
  • DC smoothing reactors
  • Wall bushings
  • Capacitors
  • Filter reactors
  • Filter resistors
  • Bus arrestors
  • AC disconnectors
  • DC disconnectors
  • Voltage transformers
  • Current transformers
  • Voltage dividers

Additional project works included:

  • Installation of control cubicles
  • Installation of control cabling
  • Installation of fibre optic cabling
  • Installation of power cables
  • Connection of all strain bus work across the entire yard
  • Installation of lightning protection infrastructure
  • Installation and grounding of cable trays, accessories and conduits across indoor and outdoor areas
  • Installation of internal and external lighting systems

Disciplines employed included:

  • Design & Procurement
  • Supply
  • Installation
  • Testing & Commissioning
The outcome

The project formed an integral component of development of the DirectLink Interconnector, establishing a 59 kilometre, 180MW HVDC connection between the New South Wales and Queensland electricity markets.

The completed infrastructure strengthened interconnection capability and supported electricity transfer between the two States.