Gordon Power Station Major Refurbishment

Where is Gordon Power Station

Gordon Power Station is located in the southwest of Tasmania, near Strathgordon, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It sits on Lake Gordon, which, along with Lake Pedder, forms the largest water storage in Australia. The station is about 172 km west of Hobart and is accessed via the Gordon River Road.

The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the nearby Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park attracting nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Despite its remote location, Gordon Power Station is a critical part of Tasmania's hydroelectric system, supplying a significant portion of the state's renewable energy.


About Gordon Power Station

Gordon Power Station was commissioned in 1977 with two machines and the third machine was commissioned in 1988. The Station is located 183 metres underground and is supplied with water from Lake Gordon through a 137m high vertical shaft. Water from the station is returned to the Gordon River through a 1.6 km-long tailrace tunnel. Each machine has a registered capacity of 144 MW, with all three machines collectively producing an average of 1200 GWh/yr

Gordon Power Station is a major contributor to Hydro Tasmania’s hydro generation capability generating ~13.4% of average annual revenue. The units are also important system energy security and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) contributors.





What are we doing?

Starting in 2024, the Gordon Power Station will undergo a series of major outages over the next decade, marking commencement of the most extensive upgrade projects in its history. This comprehensive overhaul will involve the replacement of critical infrastructure, including turbine runners, distributors, generator thrust blocks, and main inlet valves, and a transformer. These upgrades are essential to ensuring the long-term reliability, efficiency, and performance of the power station, supporting Tasmania’s renewable energy future and maintaining grid stability for years to come.





Why are we doing this?

The refurbishment of Gordon Power Station is a vital project aimed at extending the asset's operational life and safeguarding the state’s energy infrastructure. By replacing key components such as turbines, generators, and control systems, the upgrade will ensure the station continues to operate reliably for decades to come. This long-term investment not only supports Tasmania’s renewable energy targets but also strengthens the stability and resilience of the broader power grid.

In addition to extending the station's lifespan, modernisation of the runner design will ensure minimum environmental flows in the Gordon River can be efficiently utilised for power generation. It will also see introduction of new Synchronous Condenser function (FCAS) on 2 of the units. This optimisation enhances sustainability while maximising energy output. Furthermore, the project prioritises safety by addressing ageing infrastructure, and ensuring the continued safe operation of the station, and other critical systems. These upgrades protect both workers and nearby communities, reducing the risk of equipment failures and environmental impacts


The Main Components of a Hydro Power Station

ComponentDescription
Intake TunnelChannels water from Lake Pedder to the underground power station, often with a screen to block debris.
Main Inlet Valve (MIV)Controls or shuts off water flow to the turbine for maintenance or emergencies.
Spiral CasingDistributes water evenly around the turbine’s runner, maintaining pressure and flow efficiency.
Guide VanesAdjustable blades that control the flow rate and direction of water onto the runner blades.
Stay VanesFixed vanes that direct water smoothly onto the guide vanes and provide structural support.
DistributorThe stationary mechanical components that house the runner and efficiently direct the flow of water onto it. These parts include the Guide Vanes and equipment which regulate their position.
Runner (Francis Turbine)The rotating part of the turbine where water energy is converted into mechanical energy.
ShaftConnects the runner to the generator, transmitting mechanical energy for electricity generation.
Draft TubeExpands after the turbine to slow down water and recover pressure, directing it back to the river.
TailraceCarries the water discharged from the draft tube safely back into the Gordon River.
Thrust BlockSupports the turbine shaft, absorbing axial forces from the water striking the runner.
Axial Air ValvesRegulate air pressure within the draft tube to prevent cavitation and maintain smooth flow.
GeneratorConverts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction.
Cooling SystemCools the generator and other mechanical parts to prevent overheating.
ExciterProvides the initial electrical current needed to start the generator’s electromagnetic field.
TransformerSteps up the voltage of the generated electricity for efficient transmission over power lines.
SwitchyardManages the distribution of electricity, including circuit breakers and protective equipment.
Transmission LinesCarry the high-voltage electricity from the station to the power grid for distribution.


Where is Gordon Power Station

Gordon Power Station is located in the southwest of Tasmania, near Strathgordon, within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It sits on Lake Gordon, which, along with Lake Pedder, forms the largest water storage in Australia. The station is about 172 km west of Hobart and is accessed via the Gordon River Road.

The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the nearby Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park attracting nature enthusiasts and adventurers. Despite its remote location, Gordon Power Station is a critical part of Tasmania's hydroelectric system, supplying a significant portion of the state's renewable energy.


About Gordon Power Station

Gordon Power Station was commissioned in 1977 with two machines and the third machine was commissioned in 1988. The Station is located 183 metres underground and is supplied with water from Lake Gordon through a 137m high vertical shaft. Water from the station is returned to the Gordon River through a 1.6 km-long tailrace tunnel. Each machine has a registered capacity of 144 MW, with all three machines collectively producing an average of 1200 GWh/yr

Gordon Power Station is a major contributor to Hydro Tasmania’s hydro generation capability generating ~13.4% of average annual revenue. The units are also important system energy security and Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) contributors.





What are we doing?

Starting in 2024, the Gordon Power Station will undergo a series of major outages over the next decade, marking commencement of the most extensive upgrade projects in its history. This comprehensive overhaul will involve the replacement of critical infrastructure, including turbine runners, distributors, generator thrust blocks, and main inlet valves, and a transformer. These upgrades are essential to ensuring the long-term reliability, efficiency, and performance of the power station, supporting Tasmania’s renewable energy future and maintaining grid stability for years to come.





Why are we doing this?

The refurbishment of Gordon Power Station is a vital project aimed at extending the asset's operational life and safeguarding the state’s energy infrastructure. By replacing key components such as turbines, generators, and control systems, the upgrade will ensure the station continues to operate reliably for decades to come. This long-term investment not only supports Tasmania’s renewable energy targets but also strengthens the stability and resilience of the broader power grid.

In addition to extending the station's lifespan, modernisation of the runner design will ensure minimum environmental flows in the Gordon River can be efficiently utilised for power generation. It will also see introduction of new Synchronous Condenser function (FCAS) on 2 of the units. This optimisation enhances sustainability while maximising energy output. Furthermore, the project prioritises safety by addressing ageing infrastructure, and ensuring the continued safe operation of the station, and other critical systems. These upgrades protect both workers and nearby communities, reducing the risk of equipment failures and environmental impacts


The Main Components of a Hydro Power Station

ComponentDescription
Intake TunnelChannels water from Lake Pedder to the underground power station, often with a screen to block debris.
Main Inlet Valve (MIV)Controls or shuts off water flow to the turbine for maintenance or emergencies.
Spiral CasingDistributes water evenly around the turbine’s runner, maintaining pressure and flow efficiency.
Guide VanesAdjustable blades that control the flow rate and direction of water onto the runner blades.
Stay VanesFixed vanes that direct water smoothly onto the guide vanes and provide structural support.
DistributorThe stationary mechanical components that house the runner and efficiently direct the flow of water onto it. These parts include the Guide Vanes and equipment which regulate their position.
Runner (Francis Turbine)The rotating part of the turbine where water energy is converted into mechanical energy.
ShaftConnects the runner to the generator, transmitting mechanical energy for electricity generation.
Draft TubeExpands after the turbine to slow down water and recover pressure, directing it back to the river.
TailraceCarries the water discharged from the draft tube safely back into the Gordon River.
Thrust BlockSupports the turbine shaft, absorbing axial forces from the water striking the runner.
Axial Air ValvesRegulate air pressure within the draft tube to prevent cavitation and maintain smooth flow.
GeneratorConverts mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy via electromagnetic induction.
Cooling SystemCools the generator and other mechanical parts to prevent overheating.
ExciterProvides the initial electrical current needed to start the generator’s electromagnetic field.
TransformerSteps up the voltage of the generated electricity for efficient transmission over power lines.
SwitchyardManages the distribution of electricity, including circuit breakers and protective equipment.
Transmission LinesCarry the high-voltage electricity from the station to the power grid for distribution.