| Company | Ergon Energy |
| Location | Comet Substation, Rockhampton |
| Project Overview | A rural substation retrofitted with MIDEL 7131 ester fluid saved $500K by eliminating the need for costly civil works while enhancing safety and sustainability. |
| Products | MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester fluid |
In a cost-saving and environmentally responsible initiative, a rural electrical substation in Australia's Central Highlands successfully retrofilled its transformer with MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester fluid, eliminating the need for expensive civil works. This decision resulted in a savings of approximately $500,000 while ensuring reliable energy delivery to rural customers.
Ergon Energy Networks supplies electricity across more than one million square kilometres in Queensland, serving over 750,000 customers, including those in remote regions. As part of its commitment to safe, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions, Ergon evaluated its 66/22kV, 6.3MVA transformer at the Comet substation, located around 300 km west of Rockhampton, for a retrofill upgrade.
The existing transformer had been in operation for ten months using mineral oil. An engineering review identified significant advantages in switching to MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester fluid, including:
However, the most compelling benefit was its ability to eliminate the need for a traditional oil containment system, which would have required costly site expansion.
The retrofill process was completed smoothly with minimal disruption to substation operations. Instead of a conventional oil containment system, an earthen bund was used to direct the ester fluid to an oil separation tank. This strategic approach delivered a cost saving of approximately $500,000.
Steven Lowry, Ergon Energy Networks Manager for Capricornia West, emphasised the long-term impact of this decision: "This project has proven that we can retrofit rural substations in a way that is safer, more environmentally responsible, and financially viable for our customers. The success of this initiative opens the door for similar upgrades across our network."
The adoption of MIDEL 7131 ester fluid at the Comet substation demonstrates the significant financial and operational benefits of retrofilling transformers. By enhancing fire safety, reducing environmental impact, and eliminating the need for extensive civil works, this project serves as a model for future infrastructure upgrades in remote and rural energy networks.