Hitachi Energy delivers six 500 kV shunt reactors for HumeLink project

Hitachi Energy has announced it has successfully delivered six giant 500 kV shunt reactors for Transgrid’s HumeLink project, marking a major milestone in the critical transmission project.

A shunt reactor is a large absorber of reactive power that improves the efficiency, stability and reliability of long electricity transmission lines.

The HumeLink shunt reactors each weigh more than 120 tonnes and are some of the first three-phase 500 kV reactors used in Australia. They will be installed at Transgrid’s Maragle, Bannaby and Gugaa substations. They will provide reactive power compensation in a complex 500 kV double circuit line electrical loop as part of the 365 km transmission link.

Hitachi Energy Australia Managing Director Bernard Norton said the reactors will become part of a stronger and more resilient electricity system in Australia.

“These are critical pieces of electrical infrastructure. They are the silent guardians of the power system,” he said. “Each one is like a giant electrical sponge, working to soak up excess reactive power, bringing the voltage back to a safe, stable level in these sorts of long transmission lines.

“HumeLink will provide a stronger connection between electricity generation and the homes and business that depend on it. This sort of interconnection in our electricity system builds the resilience that is needed for a sustainable and growing economy. That’s why a resilient and secure electricity grid is a national strategic asset.”

Hitachi Energy’s service team is leading the onsite assembly, installation and testing activities for all six shunt reactors, along with delivery and installation of 28 high-voltage circuit breakers.

“This project demonstrates the value of maintaining strong local field service capabilities that can support major transmission infrastructure projects across Australia,” Norton said. “This expertise in high-voltage equipment installation is critical to transitioning transmission assets into operation and meeting our net-zero targets.”

The six shunt reactors were manufactured at Hitachi Energy’s transformer and shunt reactor facility in Chongqing, China. After arriving at Port Kembla, each unit was transported over approximately 480 km by heavy-haul convoy before being delivered to its designated substation site. Final commissioning of the shunt reactors is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Image: The shunt reactors each weigh more than 120 tonnes and are some of the first three-phase 500 kV reactors used in Australia. Credit: Hitachi Energy