The path to net zero by 2050 was a common theme for presenters and delegates at the Energy Networks 2022 Conference. The abundance of technology and innovative ideas on how we can get there was at the forefront. 

As per AEMO’s Integrated System Plan draft using the Step-Change scenario, which was discussed at length during the conference, all brown coal generation and 2/3 of black coal generation will be taken offline in the next decade, amounting to up to 14GW of power which will need to be replaced. To be achievable, current renewable energy capacity will need to be tripled by 2030, and that growth will need to be sustained and in fact increased until 2050 to meet our national and global requirements.

“The size and scale of new electrical generation required amounts to a not before seen wave of construction in the electrical supply/generation space, and this in turn has a direct implication on the Cable Jointing trade specifically, due to the influx of private underground cable systems which must be utilised to ensure success in our collective efforts.” said Lachlan.

Growth in renewables development will accelerate, and you can’t build large scale renewable projects without Cable Jointers

“At present, there probably isn’t enough Cable Jointers in Australia to complete what needs to be done in such a relatively short time, which really drives home the importance of ongoing industry growth, training, learning, and development for the trade, which is the exact values and vision that NKT and Thomson Bridge share in contributing to our clean energy future.” said Andrew.

 

Thomson Bridge joined forces with global cable solutions provider, NKT, to help educate owners, developers and operators of high voltage networks in generation (wind, solar and thermal) sub-transmission, distribution and rail networks and utilities, on what conditions and workmanship are necessary in underground cable systems to ensure quality and longevity.

During the conference there were also concerns raised on the longevity of existing cable installations on solar farms as installations are not lasting as long as they should do. There has been a rise in faults in underground cabling systems and the associated unplanned outages.

“This supports our Cable Jointing Practices one day program which helps the industry understand how to implement measures and controls to prevent the costly faults before they happen and what happens when the fault occurs.” said Andrew.

NKT managed to showcase some never before seen in Australia product samples, complete with laser cut sections to enable viewing the inner workings of various technologies, and there were plenty of other new and exciting offerings on display across the 2-day exhibition.

Thomson Bridge is a national provider of Electrical Supply Industry (ESI) training and electrical consulting services, developing essential electrical skills and safety leadership across renewable and thermal generation, transmission, distribution and rail networks, infrastructure, HV operations, control room and the powergrid interface.