Gordon Power Station
| Company type | Hydroelectric power station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Tasmania , Australia |
| Products | Electricity generation |
| Owner | Hydro Tasmania |
| Website | www |
Gordon Power Station
Situated in Tasmania's South West on the Gordon River, the Gordon Power Station stands as the state's largest traditional hydroelectric facility. It generates electricity by channeling water from Lake Gordon, which drops 183 meters underground through the Gordon Dam.
The power station, which began operations in 1978, has an installed capacity ranging from roughly 432 to 450 MW, driven by three Fuji-manufactured turbines. It delivers an annual output near 1,388 GWh with a capacity factor of 0.37. Owned and managed by Hydro Tasmania, this plant is a vital component of Tasmania’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
In 2024, a significant overhaul was performed on two of its three turbines to boost efficiency and prolong their service life.
Technical data
Equipped with three Francis-type turbines, the Gordon Power Station collectively produces , accounting for approximately 13% of Tasmania’s electricity consumption. The initial pair of turbines commenced operation in 1978, and a third unit was added in 1988.
Water supply originates from Lake Gordon and is augmented by inflows from Lake Pedder through the McPartlans Pass Canal. Generated power is carried via 18 kV aluminium busbars to the surface switchyard, where it is transformed by three 18/220 kV transformers before integration into TasNetworks’ 220 kV transmission network. The switchyard also supports 22 kV systems that provide electricity for station operations and nearby communities. The average yearly generation amounts to .
2016 Tasmanian energy crisis
During early 2016, a combination of drought conditions and the failure of the Basslink power connection caused Lake Gordon’s water level to plummet to an unprecedented low, reaching 55 meters below full capacity. By January 2017, levels partially rebounded to being 28 meters below capacity. In June 2021, the lake rose slightly to -25 meters but fell again to 29 meters below capacity as of June 2023.