One year since moving to a state-of-the-art new home, Siemens’ Yatala manufacturing facility has expanded its export market and secured its largest deal in the US. The order from a major Californian utility for Fusesaver™ is to help reduce the risk of wildfires in the state and to also help in the stabilisation of the network.The Yatala factory is home to the innovative Siemens Fusesaver, a home-grown product that is helping eliminate up to 80 percent of sustained electricity outages on rural networks in over 30 countries. As the world’s fastest medium voltage circuit-breaker, it also means that it can react in 10 milliseconds to prevent sparks from faulty power lines or traditional pole fuses. This makes Fusesaver particularly interesting to countries and communities with high bushfire or wildfire risk.“We’re now exporting Fusesaver to over 35 countries, right here from Queensland,” said Jeff Connolly, CEO and Chairman of Siemens Australia Pacific. “We’ve even recently added the Ukraine, Egypt and Oman to our export list.”
“I’m really proud that a home-grown innovation, with the backing and support of Siemens, has created such global demand. Energy utilities across the world are seeking greater energy reliability and reduced costs and Fusesaver is helping deliver this," said Connolly.
“Australia can clearly be a competitive manufacturing nation if you create the right environment and scale globally. And with further investment into research and development I’m really pleased to see another innovation, the Compact Modular Recloser, that provides a sustainable alternative to future energy network challenges.”
Only 12 months since the official factory opening in Yatala, the team behind Fusesaver also launched a new, locally researched and developed Compact Modular Recloser (CMR) that replaces dated technology from mid-1900’s.“There is a great demand for innovative products and solutions to assist companies around the world as they tackle the energy transition - and we have the engineering and R&D knowhow to do this right here from Queensland,” said Dr. Brett Watson, one of the co-founders of Fusesaver.Developed by Australian engineers, the CMR addresses common problems of obsolete hydraulic devices with rudimentary capabilities. Showcasing world-first technology, the new auto-recloser is designed to help energy networks in the fight against outages caused by transient faults. The lightweight device features integrated self-powering from line-voltage, a small footprint and the ability for wireless firmware and configuration updates. Addressing a range of utility needs, CMR is cost-effective and permits easy installation and fast commissioning.
“While the team is pleased with the positive response and success, it doesn’t come as a surprise,” said Dr Watson.“There aren’t many products in the market that can do what the Fusesaver and CMR are capable of. With the introduction of voltage powered technology, a world first, we are providing a glimpse into possibilities and the innovative potential of our team. We keep pushing the boundaries to further enhance existing products and develop new ones to fill a gap and help solve problems – be it energy security and availability,” said Dr. Watson.In addition to the above, the Yatala factory also decreased its carbon emission by 50,701 kg/year with the installation of 120 solar panels – the equivalent of 838 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
