The University of Queensland (UQ) is committed to reducing energy consumption through a number of projects and initiatives, including on-campus renewable energy. Located in the Lockyer Valley, 87km outside of Brisbane City, UQ Gatton is currently undergoing an infrastructure upgrade project to increase the campus’ capacity for renewable energy.

CV worked alongside McNab Constructions to deliver Stage 1 which encompassed the upgrade of the Energex grid electrical connection to the campus. The existing 11kV primary electrical supply from Warrego Highway was upgraded to 33kV, which involved the development of a UQ-owned 33/11kV substation adjacent to the existing 11kV substation as the heart of a new central energy plant.

With renewable energy already at capacity with the previous 11kV electrical connection, the upgrade to a 33kV connection will support the predicted increase of the campus’ electrical load and renewable energy generation over the next few years.

Our CV Infrastructure team delivered numerous services for the Gatton infrastructure upgrade project, including:

• Electrical demolition and enabling works including HV 11kV cabling, telecommunications and low voltage reticulation
• Installation and commissioning of the HV system
• Installation and commissioning of the LV system

This upgrade will support further development of the campus including new buildings and further increases in renewable energy, enabling the vision for UQ Gatton to become an energy neutral campus.