A 244-tonne transformer has arrived at ACEN Australia’s New England Solar site in New South Wales as the project embarks on its Stage 2 development.
The transformer was delivered to the project’s substation following a 2165km overland journey from Port Adelaide. Measuring 11m long and 4.4m high, it is New England Solar’s largest and heaviest transformer to date.
Transporting the equipment required an 18-axle modular platform trailer, with multiple prime movers supporting the 70m-long convoy.
Australian heavy haulage company Ares Group was responsible for planning and executing the road transport operation, while One Global Logistics coordinated the equipment’s shipping and broader delivery.
Installation of the transformer is now underway.
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The transformer will support Stage 2 of the New England Solar project, with EPEC Group engaged to construct the associated substation.
Power transformers are essential components of utility-scale solar projects, converting electricity generated by solar arrays to higher voltages required for transmission.
Their delivery represents an important construction milestone, particularly given lead times for these assets are protracted. In fact, Rystad Energy data has found transformer lead times now exceed 12 months for most units and 24 months for the largest.
New England Solar has also been participating in research exploring the coexistence of utility-scale solar developments and agricultural activities, with CSIRO and Macquarie University working with ACEN Australia to investigate how satellite imagery and artificial intelligence can support vegetation management across the site.
The research examines how operators can balance bushfire risk with livestock grazing requirements, with the goal to find a ‘happy medium’ in grass length: short enough for insurers and fire services, but long enough for livestock health and productivity.