Emergency crews have successfully contained a significant blaze that ripped through the Tungatinah Power Station in Tasmania’s Central Highlands overnight. The fire, which was reported just before 9 pm on Wednesday, September 2, saw multiple volunteer and career fire units, including aerial platforms from Hobart and Launceston, race to the remote site near Tarraleah. Firefighters worked through the night, bringing the inferno under control around 1 am on Thursday morning.
The Hydro Tasmania-owned facility, a crucial component of the state’s energy infrastructure, was reportedly “fully ablaze” and has been described as “gutted” by the incident. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, initial reports suggest the station has suffered considerable structural harm. Fortunately, no employees or contractors were believed to be on site when the fire broke out, and no injuries have been reported.
Tungatinah Power Station is a 142.2-megawatt hydroelectric facility, one of ten major stations within the Derwent hydropower system. It plays a vital role in Tasmania’s energy mix, contributing approximately six per cent of the state’s total power supply. The station, commissioned in 1956, harnesses water from several lakes, including Bronte Lagoon and Bradys Lake, through five massive penstocks to drive its turbines before discharging into the Nive River.
Despite the severe damage to the station, Hydro Tasmania has moved to reassure the public that there are “no concerns around energy security at this stage” and “no risk to Tasmania’s energy supply.” However, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) confirmed that the Tungatinah 110kV substation tripped at 9 pm due to the fire, leading to the disconnection of around 2 MW of electrical load. Locally, TasNetworks reported five separate power outages affecting 351 customers in surrounding areas such as Tarraleah, Bradys Lake, Bronte Park, and Lake St Clair, with restoration times yet to be confirmed.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is set to be launched by authorities. The Lyell Highway, a key arterial road, was closed between Victoria Valley Road and Fourteen Mile Road for approximately 24 hours following the incident to allow emergency services to manage the scene safely. The long-term implications for the state’s energy grid, particularly for regions like the Mersey Valley and North-West Tasmania which rely on a stable statewide supply, will become clearer as the damage assessment and investigation progress.