Hitachi Energy has supplied two high-capacity 850 MVA 500/220 kV power transformers to support the grid connection of the Golden Plains Wind Farm, in partnership with utility provider AusNet. This marks a significant transformer deployment in one of Australia's most ambitious renewable energy infrastructure projects.

Located in Victoria, Golden Plains Wind Farm is currently under construction and will be the largest permitted onshore wind project in Australia upon completion. The first phase includes 122 wind turbines and a 300 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). Once operational, the facility will deliver up to 4,000 GWh annually, supplying over 765,000 homes and displacing 4.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year.

To support the high-voltage transmission requirements, AusNet was contracted to design, construct, and operate a new 500 kV terminal station and 220 kV substation, linked by a 5 km transmission line. The station’s core components are the two 500/220 kV 850 MVA autotransformers provided by Hitachi Energy, engineered for high-efficiency power flow, thermal performance, and grid stability under varying load conditions.

These transformers are critical in stepping down transmission voltage from the 500 kV level to the 220 kV network, enabling efficient bulk power transfer while maintaining voltage regulation and reactive power control for grid compliance. Their deployment enhances the resilience and flexibility of Australia’s power system as it scales renewable generation.

Construction began in Q1 2023, and the wind farm will be developed in two phases (East and West), with a combined total capacity of 1,330 MW. The project is expected to operate for around 30 years.

Source: hitachienergy.com