Wetherill Park Data Centres Electricity Supply
The project
Artefact Heritage and Environment was engaged to conduct a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) or environmental assessment for construction and operation of two (dual circuit) new underground one-hundred and thirty-two-thousand-volt (132kV) electricity transmission feeders or power supply cables for the new Davis Road, Wetherill Park Data Centres.
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AUSCONNEX on behalf of Cundall Johnson and Partners P/L
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Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to satisfy EP&A Act 1979 and Endeavour Energy standards.
Approach
The REF included review of background literature and relevant operational and environmental standards, and assessment of the environmental aspects associated with the new underground electricity cables within the Wetherill Park industrial commercial area and surrounds. The REF considered the potential for environmental impacts and their significance, including impacts to traffic, adjacent businesses, and the surrounding developed and natural environment.
Outcomes
he detailed Review of Environmental Factors of the underground transmission power cables project prepared by Artefact Heritage and Environment, which included appropriate and effective impact mitigation measures, provided Endeavour Energy with the assurance required to grant approval for the project to proceed.
The new underground electricity transmission cables provide the high level of electricity supply reliability that is required for the new Wetherill Park Data Centres development. The Data Centres development also supports local employment initially during construction and subsequently during the Data Centres operation. The project minimised environmental impacts and protected the environment through implementation of appropriate impact mitigation measures, which were developed and implemented in accordance with NSW legislation and guidelines.
Endeavour Energy’s determination of the activity as an Authorised Network Operator under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) 1979 allowed the activity to proceed.
“The REF verified the underground cables could be installed and operated in a manner that protected the
environment, and satisfied the
high electricity supply reliability
requirements of the Data Centres.”