Australia, Adelaide: SA Power Networks has energised the second of two specially built substations designed to support South Australia’s $15.4 B Torrens to Darlington infrastructure project.
The newly commissioned Richmond East substation will deliver a dedicated 22-kV power supply for tunnel boring machines constructing the 2.2 km northern twin tunnels between Mile End and Thebarton.
The facility has the capacity to supply electricity equivalent to around 5,000 homes and has been built specifically for tunnel construction needs. Once tunnelling is completed, it will be repurposed to operate tunnel ventilation and lighting systems.
It includes two transformers and two control rooms, providing redundancy to ensure a continuous and reliable power supply during both construction and future tunnel operations.
SA Power Networks confirmed the project was completed ahead of schedule, within budget, and without safety incidents. More than 100 workers were involved, including engineers, designers, electricians, civil contractors and apprentices who gained training opportunities through the build.
The Torrens to Darlington project forms the final 10.5 km section of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, creating a continuous 78 km motorway between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.
SA Power Networks Chief Operating Officer Mark Vincent said the substation demonstrates strong collaboration with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and highlights the importance of early planning to meet tight delivery timelines.
He noted that completing two substations in such a short period is significant, as the utility typically builds only one substation every three years.
The Richmond East facility follows the earlier energisation of the Tonsley East substation in January 2024, which supports tunnel boring for the southern twin tunnels.
Source: Utility Magazine
