Fisher Power Station
| Company type | Power station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Tasmania , Australia |
| Products | Electricity generation |
| Owner | Hydro Tasmania |
| Parent | Hydro Tasmania |
The Fisher Power Station is a traditional hydroelectric plant situated in north-western Tasmania, Australia, managed by Hydro Tasmania. It harnesses the Mackenzie Dam on the Fisher River to produce up to 46 MW of power, generating close to 240 GWh annually with an impressive capacity factor of 0.9. Established in 1973, this facility operates a single Fuji Pelton turbine powered by a hydraulic head measuring 603 metres, playing a key role in Tasmania’s renewable energy supply.
Technical details
As the second facility within the Mersey–Forth hydroelectric network comprising eight stations, Fisher Power Station is positioned in the upper reaches of the Fisher River. Its primary water source is Lake Mackenzie, supplemented by runoff and pumped inflows from Yeates Creek and Parsons Falls. Water is conveyed through a combination of a 6.5 km flume, siphon, and canal system, followed by a 5.2 km series of vertical and inclined shafts before reaching the power station. The water drops 650 m to the station and subsequently flows for 4 km into Lake Parangana, which supplies the Parangana Power Station.
Commissioned in 1973 by the Hydro Electric Corporation (TAS), Fisher Power Station contains one Fuji Pelton turbine rated at 46 MW capacity. It delivers an annual energy output near 240 GWh. Generated electricity is transmitted via an 11 kV air-blast circuit breaker to the TasNetworks grid through an 11 kV/220 kV Siemens generator transformer (T1). Additionally, a second transformer (T2) links the station’s 22 kV output with Rowallan Power Station, facilitating improved grid connectivity.