Not yet safe to access Hydro Tasmania power station destroyed by fire
Investigations are continuing into the cause of a fire that gutted the Tungatinah Power Station. Authorities say it is not yet safe to enter the building, which supplies 5 per cent of the state's energy, in the Central Highlands.
The investigation into the cause of the fire at Tungatinah Power Station in Tasmania remains ongoing. Authorities have stated that it is not yet safe to enter the facility, which supplies 5% of the state's energy, located in the Central Highlands. The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) is using a drone to inspect the interior of the heavily damaged building, as conditions on the ground are still unsafe for entry.
Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe from the TFS explained that the team is cautious due to the wind and the presence of loose debris. The Tungatinah Power Station, the fifth-largest hydro power station in Tasmania, has been completely destroyed by the fire. Hydro Tasmania's executive, Erin van Maanen, stated that the company has not yet been able to assess the site, making it impossible to comment on the condition of the assets or the cost of repairs.
Van Maanen assured the public that Tasmania's energy supply remains secure, with sufficient capacity across the state to meet demand even without Tungatinah. The closure of the power station will impact Hydro Tasmania's revenue, and the company is working to manage the portfolio balance to continue delivering returns to the Tasmanian government.
Treasurer Eric Abetz mentioned that Hydro Tasmania has invested approximately $60 million in upgrading four of the five turbines and associated control systems since 2011, along with major maintenance and fire protection system upgrades over the past few years.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
